Never Too Many Books

Reading: UPDATED

2010-07-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Well, as you can see I have finished a number of books. I have also read a few more since my last post on this subject. These include, After the Fire a book about how to care for your soldier when he/she is shipped out to a combat zone. Counseling and Confession, a small little book about the use of private confession among Lutheran pastors when conducting different forms of counseling. It is a very useful book for understanding the place for both private confession and any form of psychological counseling.

I have also added to the stack of "bedside" reading:
The Knights of Rhodes, Bo Giertz, translated by a Seminary classmate of mine, Bror Erickson
The Red Badge of Courage, Stephan Crane
The Conservative Reformation and Its Theology, Charles Porterfield Krauth
The Gospel in Dostoyevsky, Ed. by The Bruderhof

I will let you know what I think of these and those books still left in my stack of reading material. Mostly though, I have been preparing for the Missouri Synod's Convention beginning next weekend.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Dr. Paul Brand/Philip Yancey

2010-07-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

This book, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, by Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey is a doctor explaining the Christian faith through the lens of the different parts of the human body. So, this Dr. begins with the single cell and goes on to such things as our skeleton, our muscles, our different organs, the eye. All the while, you gain a small bit of understanding of the true complexities of these different, sometimes simple seeming, parts of each of us. These two men grant the reader a greater appreciation for what our gracious God has given us both in the first article (Small Catechism II: 1st) gifts of our body and its abilities. These men also give us a greater appreciation and a different perspective on the gifts we receive in our salvation (2nd article gifts) and our sanctification (3rd article gifts). Praise the Lord that He simply spoke into being we humans and formed us first out of the mud of the earth (Genesis 1 and 2).

Achilles in Veitnam, Jonathan Shay

2010-07-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

Achilles in Vietnam, by Jonathan Shay is written by a Psychiatrist who works in Massachusetts with Vietnam veterans with severe Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). Through the accounts of his patients and his work with them the Dr. explains many of the things we read about in literature from the Vietnam era and the same things we read about in the classics like Homer's the Iliad. Such things would include Berserk mentality. This is something that the character, Achilles, experiences after the death of his very close friend, Patroclas (sic). This is the attitude of a soldier who fights with abandon and does not care at all if he dies. He does not because of another phenomenon which has occurred prior to this, the "betrayal of what is right". This is where the soldier experiences a betrayal by his superior officer and it causes the soldier to smolder with rage over this event. This may or may not lead to the death of a buddy or it may or may not lead to the berserk event. However, from reading this book it would seem that if the death of a friend is a consequence of this betrayal then a berserk event is much more likely.

Luther Discovers the Gospel, Uuras Saarnivaara

2010-07-04T06:00:00.003-05:00

This small little book from the 1940s is a response to the Luther research of the time saying different things that misrepresented what Dr. Martin Luther actually wrote and taught.

The people that Mr. Saarnivaara was responding to had Dr. Luther speaking like a Roman Catholic or like a protestant of the radical time. This, the author explains, has to do with who Dr. Luther was responding to at any given time. As well, the other Luther scholars had Luther discovering the Gospel before he actually did or after he actually did. So, in this book, Dr. Saarnivaara runs through the history and events that led to Dr. Luther discovering the Gospel through St. Paul's letter to the Romans and the lectures at the University of Wittenburg and all the history connected to this.

All in all, a wonderful explanation of these events for those who want to learn more about the great Reformer.

A wonderful take on the LC-MS convention in Houston!

2010-07-03T10:25:00.002-05:00

Here is a post by the head of our mercy arm here in the Missouri Synod (LC-MS). He wonderfully expresses the Christ-centered approach we should all have toward this life. Something Rev. Harrison also shows forth in his book, 'A Little Book on Joy'.

A Little Book of Joy-By Rev. Matt Harrison

2010-07-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

I finished the book "A Little Book of Joy". This is an amazing little book with a big bang. It is eye opening to see a lot of things in God's Word that I already knew, but did not connect. It is a joy to see all of the joy in the Scriptures.

For anyone who wishes to learn more about God's word and the joy that our gracious and merciful God has given us in our salvation would do well to read this book. Now! It will help you see your Christian life in a whole new light.

Synod Convention

2010-07-02T13:55:00.003-05:00

Today I received three mailers for the convention later this month.

One was from a group that might be termed "politically liberal" within our synod. Two were from different "politically conservative" groups within our synod. They all are trying to convince me to vote a certain way and for certain political candidates that they approve of and not for those other guys. Well, so far, the "liberal" group is the only one who has run what might be termed a paper version of an attack ad. The more "conservative" groups have not done this. The "conservative" groups that I have received information from have told me what they think about certain issues that will be dealt with at the convention but not actually attacked any candidate or group.

Today, the two "conservative" groups sent their usual. The first sent a bunch of articles to read, giving more to do to pastors and laity who are already too busy with their day jobs. The second only sent a paper one of the candidates wrote. It is a long paper, and one I have already read, but it is a great paper outlining what our focus as Christian churches, whatever our denomination, ought to be. That focus is on God's word, and for us Lutherans, the Book of Concord the Lutheran confessional documents. It is not much compared to all the other groups sending literature this time around. This group sent me something one other time. All that was sent that previous time was a book written by one of the candidates. No, letter is ever included in these mailings. There is no letter to tell me that I must read this or I won't really know what is going on at the convention. No letter telling me that if I read this then, and only then, will I know that their candidate is the best. They just mail the information and allow me to decide for myself.

I thought this approach was quite refreshing. I wish more groups did this sort of work. I say that both for the political groups operating in Washington, D. C. and for the groups who revolve around St. Louis, MO where our church body has it's headquarters.

Reading

2010-05-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

This post got me thinking. The author stated that she was curious and was thinking of asking my wife. So, this is for her. I tend to read for pleasure. Even if the book I am reading is a "work" book, I am usually also reading it because I enjoy the subject matter. As a bibliophile, I am always reading. No matter where I go, or what I have to do when I get there, I always have a book. My beloved likes to tell the story from when we were dating, on our first date, I brought a backpack full of books, "just in case". As I told her when I got it out, "I might need a book."

So, in that vein, I am currently reading the following:
At Home in the House of My Fathers, Rev. Matthew Harrison
A Little Book of Joy, Rev. Matthew Harrison
The Silmarillion, J.R.R. Tolkien
The Dictionary
Strunk and White's Elements of Style
The City of God, St. Augustine
Luther Discovers the Gospel, Uuras Saarnivaara
Achilles in Veitnam, Jonathan Shay
Walt Whitman, The Complete Poems
Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan
The Fire and the Staff, Rolf Preus
Sermon's of Martin Luther, The House Postils, vol. 1
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Dr. Paul Brand/Philip Yancey

So, this is what is currently on my "bedside table", that I am reading. For those who do not believe me, I really am actively reading all of these books. I have never been one to read only a single book. For as long as I can remember, I have always been reading more than one book, usually closer to six. Of course, all of this assumes that I am reading three other books on a daily basis: The Holy Bible, The Treasury of Daily Prayer, and the Book of Concord!

Spiced Vegetable Dal

2010-05-08T18:19:00.003-05:00

This is the one dish that my beloved Housemother has said is my "restaurant" worthy recipe. Our boys love this and usually lick their plates when they are done. It is taken from a cookbook titled "All Around the World Cookbook".

Spiced Vegetable Dal

1 cup red lentils (this is important. These are not brown lentils.)

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil (I use coconut oil instead.)

2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger

1 tablespoon diced garlic (or if you love garlic like our family, lots more!)

1 large onion, halved and slivered

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

pinch of ground turmeric (another pinch of saffron...if you can.)

4 cups vegetable broth (use the low sodium kind. If you would rather, use the same amount of water.)

4 ripe plum tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro (or if you are us, use as much as you can!)

salt and pepper to taste (IF you like, we don't it is yummy before this point.)

1. Saute butter and oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat with ginger, garlic and onion stirring, about 10 minutes.

2. Sprinkle in cumin, cloves and turmeric (saffron, see above), stirring another 2 minutes.

3. Stir in lentils and broth and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered until soft but not mushy, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Stir in tomatoes and cilantro, and cook another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. The flavors should be well-blended and the lentils very soft.

This cooks fairly quickly, so you can do it not that long before you are going to eat. Don't be like me and forget to make rice until it is too late!

Heard Today during MPR's Fund Drive

2010-05-07T19:09:00.002-05:00

As is regularly scheduled, our Minnesota Public Radio is having their "beg for money" time this week. A joke I heard today went like this. "Usually we solve for x but today we are looking for u!" The integer jokes went downhill from there.

Good Book on the 2003 Iraq Invasion

2010-04-06T22:07:00.005-05:00

WARNING:
If you have any loved ones or friends serving in Iraq or Afgahnistan or you have served yourself, I would recommend either not reading this post or having someone else preview it for you.

Last evening, I finished reading a book that I received on Friday as a gift. It is titled, "A Table in the Presence" by Carey Cash, military chaplain. His is the story of the first Marine Battalion to cross over from Kuwait to Iraq at the start of the ground invasion of 2003. The story does tell the usual details of those killed in action, of firefights with the enemy, of mass surrenders by conscripted Iraqi soldiers. It tells another side to this invasion as well.

We hear of Bible studies being held before and during the invasion as well as Baptisms being performed for those who had come to faith through the work of this chaplain. The most striking part of the book is to read the account he gives of an ambush of his battalion as they move to take a Presidential Palace located on the Tigris River.

Chaplain Cash and others who did not have armor on their vehicles are ordered to stay behind while the combat troops perform the mission. All goes well until they are ambushed by an equivilant number of mercinaries hiding in the abandoned buildings of downtown Bagdad. It is then that this book becomes a truly remarkable account of war. We read an entirely different version of a battle than we would anywhere else.

Chaplain Cash relates the spiritual reality of this battle for us. He tells of soldiers totally exposed passing through sheets of bullets for the number of enemy combatants. And coming out the other side completely uninjured. He tells of those who are fighting from within "ragtop" Humvees where the bullets have shredded the canvas except where the soldier was sitting. We hear of un-numbered Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG) being fired at point blank range being seen swatted away like so many flies. Finally, a company of these Marines are ordered to take a Mosque shortly after they capture the Presidential Palace. One of the Marines, now in the middle of a fire fight is totally exposed with only his M-16 for defense, instead of the roof mounted grenade launcher, and he sees a mercinary step out of a doorway in the outer wall of the Mosque with a RPG ready to shoot. Chaplain Cash tells us that to this day, the soldier does not know why the enemy did not shoot. He had time to shoot but this mercinary saw something. The soldier does not know what, but the man ran away down an ally as fast as he could, yelling for his comrade to join him all the way! The only explanation any of these soldiers and the chaplain could give for these many miraculous events was the hand of God. They took literally the words of Psalm 91:11, 7. 'For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. ... A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.' They clung to those words of God for dear life throughout this battle.

This is an incredible book, one I could not put down. I would urge whoever reads this to continue to pray for all our soldiers until the war is over. That is another point made by the author. He quotes from letter from home sent to these troops from time to time. He does this to make the point that hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Christians on the homefront were praying these soldiers through every minute of the invasion. We cannot stop now. No matter what, all of us on the homefront need to lift our leaders and military, especially the soldiers up to our heavenly Father in prayer. And we cannot forget the P.O.W.s. They need our prayer more than anyone.

April 4-Easter Day-St. John 20:1-18

2010-04-04T06:15:00.001-05:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

Christ is Risen! [response] He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

‘Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”’ (Vv. 1, 2)

John’s opening statements about the resurrection of our Lord are not as glorious as those that Luke pens for us. In Luke we here a more joyous account. It signals a time of rejoicing. This rejoicing for you and me, as for the early church, spreads from here to the festival of Pentecost. The entire time of these next fifty days is one of rejoicing!

John speaks to us in our text about a more confused group. In fact, not all of the eleven go to the tomb, only Peter and John. Soon, as we shall see, for all those first Christians the Alleluia’s spring forth again with great joy as we have cried ourselves this morning.

For all of Lent, we have had the Alleluia’s of the service buried, left out of the service. Then for this past Holy Week we dropped even more. All to make the point that our Lord suffered and died for our sins. He paid the price so that you would not have to. He covered everything. Then this morning, it all comes flooding back in a joyous profusion of praise and rejoicing! The Alleluia first sprang forth from our lips today in the opening words of our Introit Psalm: ‘Alleluia. [Christ] has risen, as he said. He has risen from the dead. Alleluia.’ (Saint Matthew 28:6a, 7b)

Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ Jesus has risen from the grave!

Early this morning, at the time we may celebrate an Easter sunrise service in our own day, those women who were closest to Jesus and wished for Him a proper burial were already on their way to the tomb. They did not wait more than a second longer than they had to with the passing of the Sabbath on Saturday. They went and found the proper materials at the market early that Sunday morning, the very first Lord’s Day as we would count it, and bought the spices they would need. Such work would not have been allowed on the Sabbath. Then these few women trudged out to the garden tomb. They were wondering how they would possibly go about moving that massive stone. They were probably also formulating a plan and who would be the spokesman for the group if there were a guard posted by the chief priests.

And now, in Mary Magdalene’s distressed voice, we hear that glorious news. ‘“They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”’ (Vv. 1, 2) He is gone! He is no longer in the tomb!

We first think, “He is risen! [response]” She was thinking, “I need some help. Someone has moved or stolen the Lord’s body!” We hear the good news in the actions of the women and the two disciples. They are rushing around in a mad confusion of fear and mourning and loss. The two men rush out to the tomb and see: ‘the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.’ (Vv. 6-9)

Whatever may have been swirling around in the minds of Peter and John, they could tell that something strange had occurred. They could tell that no one had stolen Jesus’ body. Again, actions speak louder than words could. The fact that all the linen cloths were still lying there as if there was still a body within, though they would have been sunken from the weight of all the burial spices Nicodemus had brought Friday afternoon. What especially proved this fact of the resurrection was the head cloth lying neatly folded separate from the rest this really told the story.

Jesus’ body had disappeared from where it was laid but because He had chosen to leave, not because anyone else had done anything to Him, just as He chose to give up His spirit on Friday (Saint John 19:30). When Jesus rose early Easter morning, He was simply not there any longer. As our Confessions state, the natural laws of space and time no longer held our Savior subject any more. He had risen. His body is now glorified and moves about as Jesus wills. (Formula of Concord Solid Declaration VIII: 12ff.) We see that later when Jesus appears to the disciples as they hid behind closed doors. (Saint John 20:19) Mary, not remembering the words of Jesus that He had to suffer and be crucified and on the third day rise again, (V. 9) did not understand any of this. The only thing that made sense to her was that the body had somehow been moved.

‘And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”’ (Vv. 12-13) These are not words of rebuke by these two angels. Rather, they are words of assurance for Mary Magdalene. They were seeking to help her see that all her spices and assumed preparations for a dead body that she had planned, were unnecessary. Praise God that these angels are correct! It is true; Jesus is not where He should be. He has risen! [response]

These angels are trying, though it does not seem to do much good, they are seeking to help Mary believe the good news of the resurrection. So, we have the next verses. Mary stands up from looking into the tomb and turns seeing what she thinks is a gardener. Jesus repeats what the angels had already asked Mary. ‘“Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”’ (V. 15) As we see, He asks her a further question. Teasing out of her the understanding of what had happened and to whom she was speaking.

What we have is the reaction we first expect on Easter morning. We have the same joyful response we have given ourselves to the resurrection of our Savior. Mary exclaims: ‘”Rabboni!” (which means Teacher)’ (V. 17) She is overjoyed at this unexpected reunion. She is rejoicing that Jesus really is not dead, her eyes had not deceived her. She is rejoicing as we all are today. This Easter is double cause for celebration for many in our area.

It is a great and wonderful thing to be reunited with one you had thought gone or who has been away for a long stretch of time. I have never personally sent a family member off to war, I have only rejoiced with all Christians on Easter Sunday that our Savior’s payment for my sins and your sins with His sinless life was accepted by the Father and Jesus was returned to we who love Him. Though John does not record this for us, I am sure that Mary Magdalene was jumping and running over to Jesus to give Him a great big hug and checking His hands for the nail marks to see that it really and truly is Jesus. That her eyes really were not deceiving her.

As with you and me, we those who are blessed by Jesus, ‘“who have not seen and yet have believed.”’ (V. 29) Mary Magdalene finally believed the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. As she knew and would believe she now knew that when she died she would be in Paradise with Jesus. Death would now transfer her, as also it does for you and me, to the Father in heaven. Mary Magdalene finally knew and believed that her sins are forgiven, she had been rescued from sin death and the devil and she had eternal life with Jesus in heaven. Mary now knew this for certain. It is the same with you. You now know for certain that you have forgiveness of sins, salvation from sin death and the devil and everlasting life with Jesus in heaven. You know this for sure. These gifts are yours because of your baptism (Small Catechism IV: 2nd) and are yours eternally because of Jesus death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday. 'Amen, Come Lord Jesus!' (Rev. 22:20)

In the Name of Jesus+ our Risen Savior. Amen. Alleluia!

April 2-Good Friday-St. Luke 23:46

2010-04-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

‘Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.’

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

On Good Friday, we commemorate the death of our Savior. So, we are likely to speak of death at such a service as this one. This is especially the case when our sermon text is the seventh and final word of Jesus spoken from the cross.

Are you afraid of death? Does attending a funeral give you an un-conscience shudder at the thought of attending? Why, you are a Christian! For the unconverted it is natural to be afraid of death. Natural man is afraid at such a thought. It is different though for you, or at least it should be. As a Christian, you and me, each of us, we are not afraid to die. Why is this so? What makes us different as Christians?

Well, we have the answer tonight. May the Lord Jesus, who Himself has taken the sting out of death, bless us as we study His final word from the cross. ‘Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.’ (V. 46)

These words declare for you that death leads your soul back to the father. It is as simple as that.

All of us here, we live in a very disillusioned world. Some years back many people felt as if they knew it all. Everything was certain if you asked such a person. Now, these same people, many of those around us, feel that no one knows anything. So, when you or I come and tell them that there are certain truths about which there can be no doubt, for that matter if we simply declare that there is any absolute truth, they are stunned and shocked.

When we say that a Christian’s death leads his soul back to the Father, they reply: “How do you know?” Or they ask such foolish questions as: “Have you been there?” We have to answer that second question with a no. However there is one of these truths of which we are each sure. No we haven’t been there. But Jesus, the Son of God, who was in the bosom of the Father, came down from heaven and revealed this truth to you and to me.

When speaking of His death He said to His disciples: ‘“I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again I leave the world, and go to the Father.”’ (Saint John 16:28) Again He said, ‘“I go to prepare a place for you and I if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again to receive you unto Myself; that where I am you may be also.”’ (Saint John 14:2f.) Notice how Jesus words these statements. There are no “maybe’s”, there are no “if, then” portions. None of this is attached to these words of Christ. He simply states the way things are and will be.

When Jesus came to comfort Mary and Martha, whose brother had died, He said: ‘“I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”’ (Saint John 11:25f.) To the penitent thief on the cross He gave the assurance: ‘“Today though shalt be with Me in Paradise.”’ Jesus taught that His death would lead Him back to the Father and that the death of every believer would lead back to the Father.

Jesus believed what He preached. There was no lack of confidence in our Savior. Even as He hung on the cross, He knew and proclaimed for sure the way it would be. Jesus told that thief that because of the faith created in that man’s heart, he would be in Paradise. This is important because there were many false prophets around at the time of Christ. It was the same as it is in our day. Many spread a false message about the Savior and how God has rescued us from sin. Those false preachers may not be sure themselves about what they preach. Jesus is different, even when it was darkest. Even when the Father had abandoned Him, Jesus was sure of what he preached and He believed what He preached.

Hear again that last word of Jesus from the cross. ‘Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.’ They crucified Him at nine in the morning. Now it was almost three o’clock in the afternoon. Jesus had reached His hour of death … the hour which He told us “have no fear”. This is the hour that leads back to the Father. At this point, with the same confidence that our children say, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep,” Jesus in His dying hour confides: ‘“Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.”’

That is why you and I and all Christians are sure that death is not the end. That is the result of our confidence. Our trust in the salvation of our souls and the forgiveness of sins, which Jesus won for you on that cross this Good Friday. There are many things about which you or I may say; “It is my opinion”. This is not one of those times. We proclaim with the hymn: “Jesus is my confidence!” (TLH 201:5) Because of Jesus atoning death on the cross, you now have no doubt. Death is now no longer an end but rather a beginning. It is the beginning of that glorious life in heaven with our Father.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

‘And the Peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:7) Amen.

April 1-Maundy Thursday-St. Luke 22:7-20

2010-04-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

March 28-Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion-St. Luke 23:1-49

2010-03-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.’ (Vv. 18-19)

Last week in Odessa, we looked at one of the outcasts of this part of salvation history. Again, we will look at two more. Have you ever noticed that bookending done here by Luke? He surrounds the Savior of mankind with outcasts when He was born and when He died.

Way back at Christmas and Epiphany, we heard about shepherds. We learned that Jesus’ earthly adoptive father and protector would be a carpenter by vocation. Finally, we saw the arrival of Gentiles who followed the stars and prophecies. They may have been converts to Judaism but they may also have been unbelievers. Last, when those wise men left, Jesus’ parents took him off to Egypt for safety.

All of these people and the final place were all outcasts or worse.

Gentiles and the country of Egypt would not even have been on the radar for the average Jew as being acceptable for association with the Messiah of God. We see that in the continuing unbelief of the chief priests and scribes and even the reaction of the crowd at the end of Holy Week.

Again, Jesus is to be crucified and He is numbered among outcasts and worse. When Jesus is sent off to be crucified; He takes the place of Barabbas. A man who was a convicted murderer. Also, notice that this murderer’s name means, “son of the father”. You and me, in our sins, we are sons of the father just like Barabbas. We are murderers and rebellious. In our sins, we are no better than this man and should be hung on a cross as Jesus was. You and me, we who are sons of the Father by adoption had our place taken by Jesus. The only One who was the true Son of the Father. The One who knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) became sin to redeem you.

‘Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving of death. I will therefore punish and release him.”’ (Vv. 20-22)

Pilate does his best to get Jesus out of this mess. He heard and listened to his wife. She had had a dream the night before that this guy Jesus would not be a good thing for him. She told him and warned Pilate to wash his hands of the matter. A fact also recorded by the holy Evangelists.

So, Pilate tries and tries and tries to let Jesus go. The chief priests and the crowd will not allow it. They essentially have been promised a very grisly show by the chief priests and they want it. They threaten to riot and Pilate can see the beginnings of anarchy beginning to show around the edges of the crowd and he knows that would be a poor career move on his part. That is, allowing one more rebellion if he can help it in this rebellious province he had been assigned to.

Pilate finally tries a middle road. He attempts to pacify the crowd by having Jesus whipped, that is, punished, and then released. No big deal. This Roman, who would have been considered an outcast within Jewish society and certainly according to the Law, is the only one trying to hold back the crowds and help Jesus! Those who should have been trying to do this; they are trying to work the crowd up further instead. Again, we see an outcast taking Jesus’ side when the children of Israel should have been the ones to do this.

The people of course continue to demand the murderous “son of the father”, Barabbas to be released to them. They want what is coming to them. They want Jesus put to death. As we will see, they had showed up for the show.

‘But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.’ (Vv. 23-25)

Finally, Pilate can see that it is clear that he will get no where with these people. He gives in to their demand and releases Barabbas. Pilate, in order to save his professional skin, hands Jesus over to be crucified to fulfill the will of the crowd. Pilate knew, there had been too many rebellions under his command of this province. If he was transferred again for such bad governance, he would be sent off to the Persian front, modern Iran, to fight with the Legions. He was comfortable with his life where he was. If there was going to be another transfer, Pilate wanted it to be toward Rome, not away.

So, Pilate gives the crowd what they had asked for. Again, as we will see later, this is not quite what they expect in the end. Of course, with the devil, things are never quite what they seem in the end.

With the devil and his whispering in our ear of the great things we will receive or gain if we do it his way, it becomes a whisp in the wind. When we give in to temptation and do what the devil and our sinful flesh whispers to us to do all we are grasping in the end is a mirage. As Jesus tells us, Satan is a liar and the father of lies (Saint John 8:44).

‘It was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.’ (Vv. 44-46)

So far, we have seen two more outcasts in the eyes of the Jews. We have seen the actions of Pilate; the Roman governor and we have seen Barabbas. The man who was a murderer and a rebel. Both of these men, they were outcasts in one way or the other. Both of them helped Jesus. Pilate tried to help Jesus to avoid this fate. He took Jesus’ side. In the end, both of them helped Jesus toward His goal of redeeming you and me and them.

Now, we come to another of these outcasts who take Jesus’ side.

It is Noon, the sixth hour; it is the part of the day when the sun should have been at its height. As all of you know, if you are outside at noon, it matters not if you are in the field or if you are in your garden. If you are outside working on something, there should be too much sun not the absence of light. Now, this was most likely not simply the darkness of nighttime but rather the kind of darkness that was seen in Egypt at the time of the Exodus. That is, a darkness that could be felt. This is the darkness of the ninth plague that came right before the death of the firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 10:21—11:10). Here, during the Passover feast, which commemorated that death of the firstborn, the tenth plague for the Israelites, we have the death of the true Firstborn, Jesus. He was the true Passover Lamb so that the Angel of death would pass over you.

At the end of this darkness, at three o’clock in the afternoon, when the sun itself hide from the death of its Creator, the great curtain in the temple was torn in two. This curtain was about as thick as the length of a large hand, that is, about six or eight inches thick. It was torn long ways from top to bottom. This is to show you and me, we who have been gifted with faith by the Holy Spirit, that there is now no separation between God and us. Jesus has removed that and we have direct access to the Father through Jesus rather than through a High Priest.

‘Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.’ (Vv. 47-49)

It is into this setting that the ultimate outcast, a Roman legionnaire and a centurion at that, praises God! The one who had lead the crucifixion detail[1] was the last one any of us might expect in this role.

This is not what we expect when we read Luke’s account of the death of Jesus. The crowd assembled for the show gets what they thought they wanted, a crucifixion. Now that they have this, the go home from this show beating their breasts. That is, they go home showing remorse for their actions, which lead to Jesus’ death. They recognize, even if the chief priests did not, that something different had happened this time. This was no ordinary Man who was put to death. These people are ripe for Peter’s sermon on Pentecost.

Praise God with that centurion, yet take it to the next step as only you who are the baptized can. Praise God for saving you from your sins and giving you a place in Paradise with the thief. As we heard about that outcast this Lent, we stand with him. We stand with Barabbas, the murderer, lost and condemned by God’s righteous judgement to eternal death for our sins. Jesus, who is the true Son of the Father and the true Firstborn stands in the gap for you and bears the full brunt of God’s holy wrath for our sins. Praise God with the crowds on Palm Sunday who sang back and forth between them as Jesus passed. ‘“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”’ (Saint Luke 19:38) Jesus died for you. Jesus has redeemed you. Jesus made you a son of God and this in spite of your sins. He has forgiven those sins and made you white as snow.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] http://weedon.blogspot.com/2010/03/another-mozolak-gem.html

March 21-Lent 5-St. Luke 20:9-19

2010-03-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘And he [Jesus] began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went away into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed.’ (Vv. 9, 10)

Many of you are aware of the concept here. This parable has to do with a farmer who has retired or for some other reason cannot farm all of his land himself. So, this retired farmer rents out his land to various renters. He signs a contract for the going rate and then heads off to Arizona. Sound more familiar? This parable probably made a lot of sense even in the words of Jesus.

This arrangement can have its headaches. If the owner gets a bad renter, this could mean for our day at the worst, there would not be any rent to collect. It would be possible for anyone today to have renters like the ones in the parable but unlikely. After all, most owners today would contact the proper authorities after the first employee had been sent off to collect the rent.

The owner from our view is being very easy-going or lax.

Let me tell the parable a different way. God the Father brought the Israelites into the Promised Land. He allowed time for the fruits of repentance to come and then sent His prophets to bring this home to Him. Time and again, the Father sent prophets. He sent Elijah, He sent Isaiah, He sent Jeremiah, He sent Ezekiel, and the Father sent all the rest. Not one of these prophets were received by God’s people, some were driven away. Some of the prophets were beaten and some were killed.

Finally, the Father sent Jesus.

Just like the parable, the fact that the Son was coming had been broadcast for the tenants, the Israelites. Yet, like the many prophets, the Son was also rejected by these tenants. The people of Jerusalem and Israel showed no repentance and in fact open rebellion instead.

As I mentioned before, being a landowner has its own headaches. We can see this from the interpretation of this parable as being about God and His dealings with the children of Israel. There are many anxieties with this position like any other. Even in the first century, I am sure that the rules changed, at least as far as the Romans were concerned. They always seemed to be very good at getting their fair share, be it taxes or otherwise. Today, being a landowner, and a renter, comes with its own special group of concerns.

For us, we do not know if our taxes will change. On the other hand, we can be sure that they will be changed, but not how much or exactly when. This goes for ownership of land as well as any other type of taxes. This as well as uncertainty about government brings with it certain amounts of anxiety. We humans tend to get anxious when we are not sure how things are going.

Something that provides comfort for you and I as Christians is the end of our Old Testament lesson. ‘ “For I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I have chosen for myself that they might declare my praise.”’ (Isaiah 43:20, 21) Who is God’s chosen people today? You know the answer. Jesus has given it to you.

These verses from Isaiah speak to what God does for those of us who He has created for Himself. Those of us who were in darkness, but now have been brought into the marvelous light of Christ. What does God do for those that are His children now? He provides for them water in the desert of this world. You and I live in a spiritual desert. We come here each week to receive the water of life that we may continue to live in the desert. The church is an oasis in a desert, given by God for a lost and dying world.

The church exists for the life of the world. First the church exists for the life of those who are members of this body. At the same time, the church exists for the life of those who are dying in the spiritual darkness around us.

‘And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’’ (Vv. 11-14)

So, our loving God tries. He tries with you and me, He tries with His own children. Our loving God tries even when His children continue to reject the messengers that are sent to proclaim the Gospel. This is a parable about the church. This is not something that teaches us about the spiritual state of those who are still living in darkness. After all, it was not those who were outcasts in society, the harlots and tax-gatherers who were offended at Jesus words. Instead, it is the pillars of the church that are offended.

When we read that the tenants have killed the son, we cannot help but think, “How could they be so foolish as to think they could get away with such a terrible crime!” Yet, you and I are the ones who should be the most offended at this parable of the wicked tenants. We are the church; you are the wicked tenant. Think about it. You and I in our sins are just as foolish and daring as these tenants are. We think, “God won’t notice just this once.” Or worse, “He’ll give me a pass. After all, I’m a Christian!”

As we know about salvation, our loving God offers the free forgiveness of sins and everlasting life through repentance and faith in His Son to all. Just as the wicked tenants of the parable were given chance after chance, so are you and I. We are given chance after chance even when, like Thomas, we doubt. No, we don’t doubt the resurrection of Jesus. No we don’t doubt that we are saved because of the work of Christ and not because of our own works. We tend not to trust God above all else.

You and I, our temptation now comes with trusting God when it comes to our daily life. When it comes to politics, we have trouble trusting. When it comes to retirement or the economy, we have a hard time trusting. Whatever it may be in our daily life, we have trouble trusting. We forget what we know very well. Satan and his fallen angels are subtle. You and I are tempted by the demons not to trust our loving Father when it comes to our Father “richly and daily providing me with all that I need to support this body and life”. Or, we forget to trust in regard to our Father defending “me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil”. (Small Catechism II: 1st)

‘What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”’ (Vv. 15-18)

So, what will happen to those who reject Christ? Jesus tells us very clearly. He says that the owner of the vineyard will come and destroy those wicked tenants. The crowd is shocked at this. The words of the people to Jesus in response to the final act of the parable seem kind of lightweight. We don’t tend to think this is that big of a reaction. In reality, the Greek Luke uses is the strongest words a Greek speaker could use to express shock at the outcome of the parable. This is like us saying, “may this never come to pass!”

Yet this is the spiritual condition of many in not only in our own area but of billions around the world. Even here in the United States of America. This in spite of the church continually speaking of the hope we have to those around us. We do this by every means possible that we might save some. Even as we proclaim the Gospel to those we come in contact with we are also following the words of the Holy Spirit through Isaiah. ‘“For I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I have chosen for myself that they might declare my praise.”’ (Isaiah 43:20, 21)

You have been given water in the desert of this world, rejoice in the Gospel. You are the ones who are provided for even in the uncertainty of daily life. You are the one who has received forgiveness of sins through repentance and eternal life with Christ. For this reason, you have been given divine guidance. The Holy Spirit lives in you to provide guidance through the twisted path of life that you may remain on the path of life.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

March 14-Lent 4-St. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

2010-03-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”’ (Vv. 1-2)

Do we complain when someone does not eat with the “right” people? That is what the Pharisees are doing in our lesson. They are complaining because there were social implications to who Jesus was associating with. If Jesus really were who He claims to be, to their thinking, He would only associate with the “right” people.

By this they mean that Jesus would not be sitting around with the outcasts of society. Jesus would not even walk on the same side of the street with a prostitute or tax gatherer or leper. Such people made you unclean according to Mosaic Law. Jesus knew this and so did all the other people. Even by His associations, Jesus was teaching the people a new thing.

Jesus is teaching us through His associations that we see in the Gospels that it does not matter to our spiritual cleanness who we associate with. It is more important that we speak to these people the message of the Gospel: the free forgiveness of sins and everlasting life with Jesus for all men. The Pharisees and scribes are showing that they still did not understand this reality. They betrayed the fact that it was all about the outward appearances for them. What they thought mattered was whether the rules of the Law were fulfilled. The thoughts and beliefs of the heart did not enter into their spiritual calculus.

Some of the time, you and I find ourselves doing as Jesus does. We show that we understand the importance of the Gospel very well. You or I are out speaking of Jesus to those around us. You do not worry about what others will think if you are seen with, him or with her.

Some of the time, you and I find ourselves doing as the Pharisees and the scribes. We show that our Old Adam is very much alive and still swimming. In spite of our daily contrition for our sins and repentance over those same sins you and I cannot seem to drown that old sin nature. We begin to worry very much about what others think. We start to wonder about so-and-so. After all, he or she was seen last week talking with that person!

‘Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in.’ (Vv. 25-28)

The Parable of the Prodigal is interesting especially when we reach the final portion. That part that has to do with the older brother. There is reason to name the Prodigal of this parable as the younger son, that is, you; the father, that is, Jesus or the Father in heaven; or the older brother, that is, the Pharisees listening to this parable!

All of these work.

There are different reasons for seeing each as the prodigal. Often, when pastors give sermons on this parable, they tend to focus on the first two options. They do not directly address the Pharisees as a possibility for being the prodigal. Yet, the older son is just as prodigal, though for different reasons, as the other two main characters of this parable. There is actually more reason for concern when it comes to the older son. After all, his encounter with the father is not resolved.

So, when we first meet the older brother he has been working out in the field. We are to think that he is the good son so-called, he is the one who was faithful and remained with the father to work at the home property. He, seemingly patient, waited for his portion of the inheritance. The younger son had been very disrespectful. He had asked the father for his portion. Doing this while his father was still alive was about the same as telling his father to just go ahead and die already!

Now the elder son gets close enough to hear the sounds of music and dancing, a celebration. He knew of no good reason for a celebration, this party did not make sense. After all, there was no big festival, no birthday, nothing. It was just another workday. Perhaps it was a Wednesday; the one we commonly call “hump day”. The middle of the work week seemingly without a break in sight.

So this son grabs one of the servants going about his work. Perhaps this servant had come out with an empty platter or other hand from inside the house. In other words, he would know what is happening. So, the elder son stops this particular servant. He asks what is going on. The servant responds matter of factly with the words of the Head of the House. The father also said what this servant repeats. He tells that the younger son had returned. He was alive! So, naturally, there was a feast held. If you had a family member who headed off on a trip and somehow became lost to you. That is, you heard no news for long enough to begin wondering about whether the loved one was alive or dead. In such a situation, if that family member that returned suddenly you would immediately hold a party to celebrate. This is how the father had thought regarding the younger son, so he celebrates.

Instead of behaving as we would expect, the older son is angry! We might think that this one would be just as overjoyed for the return of his brother. Yet, this is not the case. He is angry with his father for being glad to have the son back, and alive on top of all else.

‘His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’’ (Vv. 28-30)

This party is the celebration that Jesus had spoken of in the previous parable. At the end of the parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus says, ‘“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”’ (St. Lk. 15:7) This is being illustrated for Jesus’ hearers in the parable of the Prodigal. The one who repents, the younger son has returned. So, the father celebrates with a huge party. The family and the servants are all celebrating. The only killjoy in the whole thing is the older brother.

When the father leaves the party to encourage and plead with the older son to join in the celebration, that son objects. He complains that he has always served his father and he never was given anything to celebrate with his buddies with. The young goat is the minimum basis for a party in the first century. He is whining as we first heard the Pharisees and scribes complain. They were complaining about who Jesus was spending time with. Here we have the older son doing the same thing. He is complaining that his brother has lived the life of an abject sinner only to receive a celebration upon his return.

We who have spent our lives in the church sit in the position of the older brother. We have always been doing what our Father in heaven has taught and commanded us to do, repent and believe. We never have been given even the smallest celebration. In fact, we as believers are told by Jesus that the world will hate us for our faithfulness. When someone returns to the church after a long absence, our sinful flesh and the devil tempt you and me to think. “What, that one has been living the life of a sinner and enemy of God all this time and now all he needs to do is repent and all of heaven celebrates? How can this be?”

Yet, this is precisely what Jesus is telling us. This does not mean that you are any less loved or any less of a son of God than the one who has just come to the faith. All this means is, one more has been received into the kingdom! Rejoice! Remember, all the Father has is yours already. Your brother has returned he was dead but now is alive. Rejoice!

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

March 7-Lent 3-St. Luke 13:1-9

2010-03-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will likewise perish.”’ (Vv. 2, 3)

Since the beginning of this year, we have had a couple of earthquakes. We have also had mudslides in California, all of which destroyed much personal property. An even greater tragedy, many lives have been lost in all of these natural disasters. As well, from time to time, we hear of buildings that catch on fire or collapse when they should not.

What are we to make of all of this tragedy?

Should we assume that the people in Haiti are somehow greater sinners than any of the rest of us? Or the people in Chile are greater sinners? Perhaps we should take it as a sign that because New Orleans was greatly damaged by a hurricane a few years ago that those who claimed judgement from God were correct. Some said this about hurricane Katrina then; some have said the same about the earthquake in Haiti now.

Really? Is anyone really a greater sinner than someone else is? Is this what we should take from our Gospel. The men in Galilee who were killed, or those upon whom the tower fell in Siloam were they somehow greater sinners. So, those killed in Haiti this year or in Chile this year were somehow greater sinners. Is this what our Gospel is saying.

Obviously not. Those men who brought this up to Jesus were trying to find justification and support for their assumption that this is exactly the case. Jesus would not give such satisfaction to them. If He did, He would be allowing smug self-righteous sinners to remain in their sin instead of calling them to repentance. Instead, Jesus tells them, ‘No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will likewise perish.”’ (V. 3)

Rather than supporting these men in their assumption, Jesus condemns their unrepentant hearts. Jesus tells them that if they continue as they have been going, they will find themselves dead as well. However, instead of simply dying a physical death, those who remain in their sin will die eternally. Jesus uses this analogy twice. First, Jesus uses it to reject the assumption that those Galileans who had their blood mixed with the sacrifices as not valid. Then, Jesus continues and reminds them of another tragedy that had happened and told them that also was simply a tragedy. The tragedies that you and I experience but live through and those we only hear about are occasions for us for self-examination.

It is truly a chance for self-examination because the word Jesus actually uses is not sinners. It is a similar word. The connection is similar to what we see in the Lord’s Prayer. Some of the time, it is printed as ‘and forgive us our trespasses’, other times it is printed as ‘and forgive us our debts’. Luke here is using the Greek word for debtors. So, our text in some translations has ‘offenders’. That word sort of covers it all.

The word ‘offenders’ does not completely cover it though. Not surprisingly, ‘debtors’ works the best. That word even flows out of what Jesus was saying at the end of chapter twelve where He is speaking of settling everything with your accuser since if you do not, you will be thrown in prison until you have paid every cent (St. Luke 12:57-59). The prison referred to there is the debtor’s prisons. The family and friends of the prisoner were expected to come up with the money to free him.

This is an apt description of hell for you and me. Jesus, in our lesson, is warning that if we do not repent we will end up in such a situation. We will be thrown in the prison of hell until we have paid every cent. An impossible task (Romans 319-28).

We should take such tragedies as occur in our life as chances to examine ourselves and see, ‘Am I on the correct path? Is there anything I need to repent of?’ It may be that a tragedy falls upon a certain person because he deserves it. We do not know if that is the case and so, we each time help and support the victims of the tragedy through whatever means we are able. While at the same time asking ourselves such questions.

When tragedy strikes, if nothing else, God is using that tragedy in your life as a warning against unbelief and an unrepentant life.

‘And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’”’ (Vv. 6, 7)

Jesus continues to teach them this lesson of the repentant life. He has provided the “moral” so-called for each of those current tragedies. The “moral” from the event of the massacred Galileans and from those on whom the tower fell is, repent that you too might not perish!

Now Jesus changes tactics. Jesus tells the gathered listeners a parable. He speaks of a fig tree planted in a vineyard, which is not producing fruit. What would you do with a fruit tree planted on your land, which had reached maturity but had not produced fruit for another three years? That is where the owner of the vineyard finds himself. The owner in this parable here is God. He has planted a fig tree in his vineyard and waited for it to grow into its fruit bearing years. This happened and so the owner returned over and over, year after year looking for fruit.

Year after year that fruit tree you planted has not been bearing fruit? What would you do? Would you give the plant any more time? Probably not. You would probably give up, dig out the plant and use the land for some other purpose. So, not surprisingly, this is what the owner wants to do. God has come back again and again to check on the Israelites to see if they were bearing fruit. Year after year, God had provided them with what is needed for spiritual growth and as Jesus said last week with God as a hen wishing to gather in His chicks. The people of Israel would not. Again, Jesus is pointing this out to those listening here as well. This parable is telling the listeners, begin to bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

As Paul told us, ‘Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.’ (1 Corinthians 10:6) You and I are being warned in the same way. We are being told to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Jesus and Paul are both warning us in the same way. Each is telling us not to follow the example of the Israelites. They refused to repent and were punished with condemnation for such lack of faith.

‘“And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”’ (Vv. 8, 9)

This gardener who intercedes is like Moses, he is a saint praying for those who remain in unbelief. This saint stands in the breach and says to God, “be merciful one more time. I will dig around the base of the tree and lay on manure. If it bears fruit after this, well and good, if not, then cut it out. Cast it into the fire”[1].

When we intercede for those who disbelieve the Gospel through prayer, we repent in the filthy robes of our sins and we sorrow over those who reject the Gospel. When you repent in your filthy robes, God, in Jesus sees us covered in the life-giving blood of Christ and forgives. We pray for those who are not so covered. We pray through the power of the One who not only commands us to do such works also bestows on each of you and even me the ability to repent and produce that same fruit.

All this is flowing to you out of Jesus’ life-giving salvation.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] The Lutheran Study Bible, note on verse 8, St. Augustine NPNF 1 6:444.

Lent 2-Feb. 28-St. Luke 13:31-35

2010-02-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”’ (V. 31)

All of you here, who are parents, or for that matter have owned a pet, know what is going on here. This scene is one of impenitence in the group of the Pharisees. Parents know about what is happening here. You have all had children refuse to do something, or not do, that you know is bad for them.

You have warned them and warned them against whatever the behavior is, but finally, the child needs to learn on his own. That child, though it may hurt, needs to learn the hard way. This happened for Rachel and I just a few weeks ago.

In our case it was a minor thing. John had licked one of the iron railings on the front of our house. With the cold temperatures, his tongue and his lips stuck. We had warned him several times not to lick things. He did it anyway. While we got the water needed to release his tongue easily, all the while warning him not to pull away. You all know what he did. He pulled away on his own.

We tried and tried telling him not to do this but he had to learn the hard way.

Even today, in the same way, God warns you and me and all men just as He did all those years ago with the Pharisees and other unrepentant people. Yet, they had to learn the hard way. The problem for them was, and for you and me is, the hard way is permanent. It is eternal death, from this consequence; there is no turning back.

So, Jesus warns them. ‘At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”’ (V. 31)

This warning of the Pharisees is two-faced. Though they may warn Jesus of other’s plots to kill him they are all the while planning to do the same. It does appear to be a new role for these men, but in actual fact, it is no different in the end. This warning was a real warning and not made up. Herod did want Jesus dead because Herod had earlier put John the Baptist to death and feared that Jesus was John come back to haunt him. Yet, we see our Savior and God’s boundless love for all men. Even as they plot to kill Jesus themselves, He is one more time trying to bring them to repentance.

‘“Yea, Father, yea, most willingly
I’ll bear what Thou commandest;
My will conforms to Thy decree,
I do what Thou demandest.”
O wondrous Love, what hast Thou done!
The Father offers up His Son!
The Son, content, descendeth!
O Love, how strong Thou art to save!
Thou beddest Him within the grave
Whose word the mountains rendeth.’ (TLH 142:3)

‘And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away form Jerusalem.’’ (Vv. 32-33)

Jesus in these verses tells the Pharisees what is about to happen. In this veiled way, tells His enemies that he knows of their plot and they are doing exactly as is needed. Yet, Jesus reaches out to those who would kill Him with the Gospel of free forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus still does the same thing for the unbelievers of this world. He even does this for me and you.

Jesus does this for you when, through the power of the Holy Spirit, He brings you to repentance. Whether that is through your own conscience or through the words of the liturgy as we just confessed or through other means. Jesus through His preachers and His Church is still calling a sinful dying world to repentance and faith.

In Jesus’ words to the fox Herod we are told that Jesus goes willingly to His death on the cross. Jesus is telling Herod in the phrase, “today and tomorrow and on the third day” that His work would continue for a certain period of time. Jesus would go willingly to His death, but it would be on the Father’s schedule. That death would not occur when Herod decided, or incidentally, when the Pharisees decided. This response to the warning that Herod sought to kill Jesus would have hit the Pharisees just as hard.

These men were being told, in no uncertain terms, they are not in charge. The Father, Who had sent the Son, Jesus, to preach His message of peace and repentance and the forgiveness of sins is in charge. He determines when things occur and no one else. No sparrow falls to the ground without His knowledge (see Saint Matthew 6:25, 26), and thus allowance.

Jesus is not compelled to this end of His journey nor is Jesus somehow caught out and forced to die because He was outwitted. Rather, Jesus is pointing out to the Pharisees here that He as the final prophet and the Messiah is above and independent of the plots and schemes of both the Pharisees and of Herod.

‘Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away form Jerusalem.’’ (V. 33)

What the Greek means and is not always carried over in translation is not just that it cannot be for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem. This is a proverbial saying. What is really meant is that the idea that Jesus would die outside of Jerusalem is not accepted. It is inadmissible. A severe indictment of Jerusalem, after all, this is a city whose name means “city of peace”. God sent His message of peace by the prophets.

‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often I would have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”’ (Vv. 34-35)

The city of peace kills those sent to it by the true God, the God that is worshipped in Jerusalem! We see a reference here to what the Gospel of John tells us all about. There we are told of multiple visits by Jesus to Jerusalem during His years of ministry. Even as is true today, Jesus urgently desired the salvation of His wayward children. Jesus tried repeatedly to bring these hardened people to faith. Today Jesus reaches out to a lost and dying world through the work of His Church to bring that same old gospel message of rescue and salvation to a world that is ignorant of its need for such rescue. Today Jesus reaches out to you and me to sustain us in the faith and keep us returning to Him for that forgiveness that we daily need.

We are sent on this rescue mission that we may not arrive too late.

‘Of death I am no more afraid,
New life from Thee is flowing;
Thy cross affords me cooling shade
When noonday’s sun is glowing.
When by my grief I am opprest,
On Thee my weary soul shall rest
Serenely as on pillows.
Thou art my Anchor when by woe
My bark is driven to and fro
On trouble’s surging billows.’ (TLH 142:5)

In this lament of Jesus here, He is comparing His actions, both during His ministry but also previously through the prophets, to those of a hen who protects the chicks beneath her wings. There is a hawk set to destroy the chicks and she would gather them so as to protect them. So also, God has been acting the part of the hen seeking to protect the chicks from certain destruction. The devil is the hawk seeking to destroy us. Jesus would gather us under His wings that we might be protected by His life. Contrary to expectation, some of the chicks refuse to be gathered in by Jesus and willingly wait for their destruction.

Even the Israelites, Jesus’ own nation, did not want this. He wanted this people to be his own, even as they belonged to him. Yet, they would not. The words of Jesus are of the most tragic order. He states, ‘and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken.’(Vv. 34-35) These people willingly allow themselves to be destroyed, and strangely, this is done not unknowingly. Their own prophets and Jesus had many times warned them of this. Yet, they would not. Instead, they seek to and succeed in destroying the One sent to rescue them from their sins.

But, then, it is the hardest thing of all for the human mind to admit to this. And so it is that faith is a miracle created in us by the Holy Spirit. It seems like pure madness to admit that something like forgiveness and rescue is what any of us need. Yet, all of us are here. The real miracle is that anyone is in this church at all! The greatest miracle is that faith exists in the world at all. By all rights, we should be no different in our response to the Gospel as these Pharisees. The Christian message of faith in Christ for the free forgiveness of sins and rescue for sin death and the devil along with the rewards of everlasting life and the forgiveness of sins is the most contrary to reason message of all (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9). Praise God that you believe this! Praise God that He creates faith in each of you.

Praise the Christ with those on Palm Sunday, ‘“‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”’ (V. 35; see also Psalm 118:26)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

Feb. 24-Lent 1 Midweek-St.Luke 23:39-43

2010-02-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

February 21-Lent 1-St. Luke 4:1-13

2010-02-21T06:15:00.000-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil.’ (Vv. 1, 2)

As we read the several accounts in the Gospels of the temptation of Jesus, we learn something about the devil, our adversary. This is nothing new; we know this about the devil from our own experience. The difference in this case is how Jesus responds to the tempter’s working against Him.

Our adversary, the devil, is a clever debater. If you grant him one false premise, he will then run with that opening. He will draw thousands of false deductions, that is conclusions, from it[1]. Notice what Jesus does here. He does not seek to argue with the devil.

Instead, Jesus simply quotes from the fifth book of Moses each time, Deuteronomy. That is Jesus only and always combats the devil with Scripture. He gives you a picture here of how you should combat the attacks of Satan.

Luther gives the same advice. He tells us when the devil comes around and tries to tempt us to doubt our Savior or fall away from the faith, we are told not to disagree or argue. Dr. Luther’s advice is very simple. He instructs you to respond in this way. “Yes, devil, you are right. I am a poor miserable sinner. However, I am baptized my heavenly Father has granted me forgiveness for Jesus’ sake. I now belong to Jesus and you cannot snatch me away (St. John 10:28-29). Now be gone!”

Notice that this advice does not say argue with Satan? It is good advice. Luther is simply telling you the same thing that Jesus your Savior tells you in this account from Luke’s Gospel. When the devil comes and tells the very hungry Jesus to command some of the stones to turn into bread, this was a very real temptation. In His human-ness, Jesus would have been sorely tempted to do exactly this. He had eaten nothing for forty days. This was a real temptation.

Again, the devil tempts Jesus to fall down and worship the devil in order to gain power and prestige in this world. These are temptations that we can all relate to. This is probably why the Holy Spirit picks out these three as a sort of summing up of all the temptations that Jesus was attacked with. These are very familiar temptation for all of us.

Even if you have never been tempted with world domination, you can relate. It would be nice to be in charge. We all like to act as arm-chair politicians and criticize those in power, whatever their political party may be. We tend to assume that the grass is greener over in some other yard than it is in ours. We all have been hungry in our lives. Each of you has been hungry in your lives. Very likely we have all had opportunity to be tempted to take food that is not ours in order to satisfy that hunger.

Yet, that first temptation is not simply one of satisfying physical hunger. Though that surely would have been in the mix. No. There is more involved in Satan’s temptation. Jesus, during that time of fasting, was focused on prayer and communion with His heavenly Father. Jesus was doing what we can all do. In your case or mine, we read a devotion and some Scripture passages, we pray for ourselves for others and for all the world. This is what Jesus was doing when the devil comes and interrupts Him. So it makes sense that Jesus answers the way that He does. ‘The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’”’ (Vv. 3, 4)

The devil is seeking to tempt Jesus away from trust in the Father. It is the same temptation that you face. The devil says to Jesus, “If…” It is that “if” which is the catch. It carries with it all the freight of doubt that it did when the devil tempted Eve. He is trying to sow that little seed of doubt in Jesus’ mind. The devil is actually doing here the same thing that the Pharisees and the people of Nazareth (see St. Luke 4:23) and others would later also try. The devil is saying, “If, you are really God’s son, perform for me! Perform a miracle and then I will believe”.

In Jesus’ response, from Deuteronomy 8:3, we are reminded of the Manna that the Israelites were given. The words that Jesus quotes are the teaching of the Israelites that the bread from heaven was given by the power of God’s word. The Israelites in the form of manna were really being fed on the word of God. This response reminds us of the words of Dr. Luther’s great hymn: ‘one little word can fell him’ (TLH 262).

It is this way of responding to temptation that you also can use to combat the devil and your own sinful flesh. We can all respond to temptation with God’s word. ‘And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I will give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”’ (Vv. 5-8)

As if the devil had not already done this, in this temptation the devil clearly reveals what he really is. This temptation reveals the devil as the liar that he is (St. John 8:44). This is like a second of time or a single tick of the clock. The panorama that the devil shows Jesus is a moment a great feat of imagination, a mental satanic “movie” performance[2]. As we know, God has allowed to the devil a “little season” to tempt and be in control of this earth. Yet, it is not as the devil would have us believe. This power is not his by right. It is his because the Father has allowed it for this time (St. John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). This power and authority that he tries to say to Jesus, and you, that he has are false. The devil does not really have the power to give control of the kingdoms of the world to whom he will. That power has always and will only belong to God. What the devil is trying to do here is a bald and obvious lie. What he tries to claim he has authority to give to Jesus is not his to give. Again, this is a real temptation for Jesus. After all, this triumph and rule of all the world would have provided an easier route than the way which led to the cross and sufferings. It would not have been a real victory or triumph though. Jesus would have been the slave of Satan by this so-called “easy” route. It would have been a lie.

The devil tries to do this with you and me. He may not take you to a high mountain and show you all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. The devil will try to draw you into a pact with him. He will try to get you to put your trust in him, or in money, or in ambition, or in some one or thing other than the Triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He will try to get you to break the first commandment: ‘ “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”[see Deut. 6:3]’ (V. 8)

‘And he took him to Jerusalem and set him up on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down form here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”’ (Vv. 9-12)

Again, the devil puts Jesus’ trust in the Father to the test. In the first temptation, he had called Jesus’ trust into question. Here he puts that trust to the test. As we saw from the Introit, this Psalm has to do with trust in God’s loving care. Satan misapplies this Psalm and twists it to mean presumptuous trust and reliance on God[3]. The devil wants Jesus to put that trust to the test, but Jesus in His answer points out, again from Deuteronomy (6:13), that testing is not trusting.

Often times, when we are trusting in God to care for our needs and provide for us, it does not happen on the timetable we have. We often are tempted to demand of God that He care for us rather than patiently waiting on His promise (see Exodus 17:7). It may be an illness, the raising of children, work, or just one season of life or other that is dragging on beyond what you or I think it should[4].

So, you and I are tempted not to trust our heavenly Father to provide what it is that we need. We demand as the Israelites did when they demanded water of God rather than waiting patently for Him to provide according to His promise. Again, when we find ourselves demanding something from God. Remind yourself that you are baptized. Because of that your Father will provide what you need. May it be comfort. May it be food and shelter. May it be whatever.

‘And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.’ (V. 13) The final words from Luke’s account of the temptation of our Lord are very instructive. Here the Holy Spirit points out that this temptation did not end here, rather it became more subtle. It is the same way for you and me. We may go through a season of great temptation, but it never ends as long as we are in this life. The devil and his angels only go away and watch for an opportune time. In Jesus’ case, we know of at least one other opportune time the Garden of Gethsemane. At the arrest of your Savior, at that most trying of times, the devil returns.

When the devil returns to tempt you it is still true that you now belong to your Father in heaven through the promise of your baptism. You have now been made a son of God (Galatians 4:4-7) and nothing can snatch you from the Father’s hand (St. John 10:28-29). Amen.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, p. 60, entry #246.
[2] Word Pictures in the New Testament, vol. II, p. 50.
[3] Word Pictures in the New Testament, vol. II p. 52.
[4] Sermon Studies on the Gospels, Series C, NPH. p. 126.

The Transfiguration of Our Lord-St. Luke 9:28-36-St. Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face altered, and his clothing became dazzlingly white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah’. (Vv. 28-30)

This event occurred in the middle of the night. Jesus did not want, as He tells these men elsewhere, anyone to notice this or know about this event. In the event of the transfiguration, we get to see something of what happened when Jesus went off to pray by Himself. Luke often tells us of these pauses in Jesus’ ministry. It is a note that was peculiar to Luke’s Gospel.

This dazzlingly white appearance of Jesus as He prayed was then all the more dramatic for the contrast. Jesus also brought these three of His disciples along because He wished to show the true reality about Himself to them and if this happened during the day it would not have the desired effect. During the day, the light of the sun would have washed out Jesus’ transfiguration. Also, if this happened during the day, there would have been the ever present crowds.

So, it is as Paul tells us, ‘For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ’ (2 Corinthians 4:6). So this is not really just about this physical transformation. Jesus’ transfiguration is about your faith. Jesus is trying to teach you and me something about the faith we have been given in Him.

Your faith is rooted in the words of the Old Testament.

We see this in what Luke writes. ‘And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah’. (Vv. 28-30) Moses is used in Scripture for the entirety of the Law of God. Moses was the Lawgiver of greatest excellence. Elijah is seen as the representation of the prophets of God. He was seen as the most excellent of the prophets. In this the Holy Spirit points us forward to the later statement Jesus makes, in chapter twenty-four (vv. 44-45), to the disciples after His resurrection that the Law and the Prophets find their fulfillment in Him. If Jesus had used names He would have said instead, “Moses and Elijah find their fulfillment in Me”.

With Peter and John and James, we see in this glorified appearance of our Savior a small bit of the glory that we have now in Jesus. We do not see this yet until we reach heaven but it is already yours. ‘And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.’ (Vv. 30-33)

We see this glory of ours pictured in Moses and Elijah as they stand speaking with Jesus about His coming Exodus. That is what the word means here. It is translated for us as “departure”, but the Greek is exodon, that is exodus. What this refers to is Jesus’ going away from earth to heaven. We all know when that happens.

So we are again pointed forward to what Jesus’ mission really is. Jesus was not in the world to rescue people from a government that they did not happen to like or from one that was oppressive. Rather, Jesus came to rescue you from eternal death as the judgement you have received because of your sins.

This as we can tell from the Gospel and from our opening hymn that this is not what Peter was thinking about. After all, we sang ‘’Tis good, Lord, to be here! Yet we may not remain; But since Thou bidst us leave the mount, Come with us to the plain.”’ (The Lutheran Hymnal 135:5) Peter did not have in his head thoughts of eternal salvation. When we have a mountain top experience in our own lives we are often the same way. You and I do not want that time to end. We do not want to go back to our regular life.

Yet, we cannot stay. We cannot make tents for ourselves and for our Lord. We must return to the plain. That is, you must return to your regular life and the troubles and trials that are daily with you. So, we pray with the hymn writer ‘“Come with us to the plain.”’ If we cannot stay on the mountain, we need our Savior to come with us. And He does. Jesus does return to the plain with us. You have Him always with you. He guides and protects you as you go through your individual trials and troubles.

So, it seems that heaven is far off. It seems often times that not only is heaven far off, but Jesus is too! Yet, Jesus tells us where heaven is at the opening of the Gospels when He begins His preaching ministry. After all, Jesus starts that ministry by proclaiming, ‘“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is upon you!”’ (St. Mark 1:14-15) There is a reason that is a remarkable statement. As Luke teaches, what Jesus is really saying is, “I am here among you. Heaven is right here in this place. Heaven is no longer in the temple because that is no longer where God has made His dwelling among men.” What is being said is where Jesus is; there is heaven.

Heaven is here! Heaven is here because Jesus is here giving out His gifts of His Word read and preached and the gift of His Sacrament.

So now we have a pointing backward. ‘As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” and when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.’ (Vv. 34-36)

We are reminded here of Jesus’ Baptism (St. Luke 3:21-22). At that point, the Father spoke as well and made a similar statement about Jesus. Except this time there is a new exhortation for the disciples. ‘“Listen to him!”’ we are told. For remember, you also are a disciple of Jesus. This statement is not simply for these three or for the Twelve, it is a command from the Father for all believers in Christ. As Jesus Himself teaches, no man knows God the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son reveals him (see Hebrews 1:2).

This cloud is also familiar to you and me. There was a cloud at the Exodus out of Egypt (Exodus 40:34-38). That cloud led the people of Israel just as this cloud also leads this the earliest of the New Testament church. This command to listen to Jesus is not listen, except. There is no exception given. We are to listen to all that is contained in God’s holy word. You are not allowed to make exceptions. You are not allowed to pick and chose those things that you agree with or that you like.

This is how you and I follow our heavenly Father’s command given here. We listen to what is said in the Bible. So, we will now listen to what the Bible tells us about our Savior’s suffering and death and resurrection in the coming weeks. You and I will hear again what Paul meant when he wrote. ‘We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.’ (2 Corinthians 5:20b-21)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

February 7-Epiphany 5-St. Luke 5:1-11

2010-02-07T06:00:00.004-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart form me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”’ (V. 8)

Our Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s first president gives a fitting summary of this verse for us. C. F. W. Walther, in his well-known Law and Gospel, says: “Unless a Christian clearly understands this fact, he ceases to be a Christian. What constitutes a person a Christian is this believing knowledge that he is a miserable, accursed sinner, who would be lost forever if Christ had not died for him.”[1]

Dr. Walther makes this statement to you. He makes this statement to me. This theologian directs this statement of his to each Christian. It is only the trusting faith planted by the Holy Spirit. That faith watered by the word of God and grown into a flourishing tree full of fruit by the third member of our Trinitarian God (Small Catechism II: 3rd). This it is which allows us to be and remain a saint and child of God who knows he is at the same time (Romans 7) a miserable, accursed sinner knowing we are lost forever without Christ.

Dr. Luther phrased an answer to a similar question in this way. Dr. Luther was asked what was the first step in religion. His reply, “Humility.” What is the second? That faithful Doctor stated, “Humility.” What is the third? Again, “Humility.”[2]

It is this same attitude that the Apostle Peter assumed when he was first called as a disciple of Jesus. That great sinner took the same attitude you and I take each Sunday as we confess our sins to begin the service. Peter tells Jesus, ‘“Depart form me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”’ (V. 8) He declared himself to be ‘a miserable, accursed sinner, who would be lost forever’ without Christ.

However, though Peter says all this in his declaration for the group of being a sinful man, he does not yet understand what he asks. At this point, Peter wants Jesus to go away. We know that to ask this would be the worst thing. For you and me to be without Jesus would leave us a poor miserable sinner, condemned to eternal death for our sins.

Peter and the others felt this way because they knew where the fish should have been. Yet those fish had not been where Jesus told them to go for the entire previous night of fishing. These men were experienced professional fishermen so they knew this. Those of you who are fishermen, you know where and when the fish will be biting on Long Lake or Artichoke Lake or Big Stone Lake; wherever you do your fishing.

If you went out and fished all day at the best spots for each time of day and caught nothing then I arrived as you where loading up your boat and equipment. If I then told you to go out and fish one of those spots just one more time, you would think I was crazy. You would probably tell me as much very bluntly. I of course, would have no ability or power to cause the fish to bit anymore than you, but this set up is exactly what Luke tells us happened to Peter and James and John and whoever else went fishing with them that day.

These men probably reacted in much the same way with Jesus. Peter and the others could have told Jesus He was crazy. They could have told Him to do the work Himself. Or, that if Jesus would have preached a shorter sermon, He could have sent the crowds home before it became necessary to use a boat. Yet, they don't. Peter shows that he, at least, had a willing heart. He had been instructed in the faith from the time that he was in the womb through adulthood. Peter trusted in his daily work, as in all of life, that God would see him through. Even if the fish were no where to be found.

After all, this was the age-old struggle for daily bread and such a struggle can create sin and doubts, making us feel distant from God[3]. Peter for one does not seem to be such a person. He seems, from this account of Luke, that he trusted God to provide his daily bread (see, St. Mt. 6:9-15). So, these men were a bit more polite about it because they knew Jesus was a respected teacher and so they humored Him. ‘And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”’ (V. 5)

Jesus may have stepped up the miracle in this case. It is entirely possible that when Jesus told these men to put out to fish, it was to some random spot out in the deep water. When He was in the middle of preaching to the crowds because of the press of those hearers, standing in a boat made sense. It allowed Jesus freedom of space from the crowds and it allowed the crowds to hear Him better. So, instead of Jesus telling them to fish in one of the likely spots, when He was done preaching, Jesus may have just pointed to a random spot out in the deep water.

This would have been understandable for the hearers of Jesus’ sermon and especially to those fishermen Peter and Andrew, James and John. Everyone in this scene, including Jesus, regardless of whether they were professional fishermen or not, understood enough of that occupation from conversation and observation. In other words, they had an idea of a good spot from talking with Peter or John or the others.

So, why then is Peter willing to do this? Jesus’ request of him contradicted everything Peter had learned over his career as a fisherman. In Peter’s experience, the best time to fish on the Sea of Galilee, here called Gennesaret, was at night. Jesus was telling him to try in broad daylight. Peter knew from experience that the fish would be along the shoals on the water’s edge. So he went there for the best fishing. Jesus was saying, “Go out in deep water.” Again, the opposite of what Peter knew to be true.

This connects with you and me. After all, when we are told to trust in God it is often that we are to do something that goes against everything we know to be true. The Word of God at times flies in the face of all human reason. So, you and I go on in faith. ‘Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.’ (Psalm 112:4) We trust our Savior that He understands what is going on and will guide us through even when it makes no sense.

‘And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”’ (V. 5) Peter is essentially telling Jesus and you, there is no way there are any fish out there right now. Peter and the others were cutting their losses and going home. That is why they are on shore cleaning their nets when Jesus finds them. Peter could have said, “what do you know about fishing anyway Jesus, you’re a carpenter!” We see that teachable heart again in this statement of Peter. Peter complains as one who has worked hard and seen nothing for his effort.

This is different though. Peter is tired and dejected, but he goes anyway. Logic and reason and common sense all would have told him to turn Jesus away, but not faith. Peter’s faith as an Old Testament Christian, one of that faithful remnant (ex. 1 Kings 19:1-18) we always hear about throughout the Old Testament, tells him different. That faith tells him this is the guy to take at His word. So, Peter finally says, “Okay, Jesus. I will go because you say so.”

These are tests of faith we are seeing in Luke. Are they tests to show Jesus if these men are up to the task He has for them? Or are they tasks that are primarily for those who would become four of the Twelve. Leaders among equals.

Jesus still tests you and me. Are we the ones who hear Luther and agree with him? Are we the ones who understand that the first three steps of faith are the same? They are humility, humility, and humility. Do we serve the least of these? Do you wash the feet of others? Do you share a cup of water with one who is in need? Do you forgive that person who tests your patience and needs a bit more grace and forgiveness than most? It is truly a powerful trust given to us through faith when a Christ-follower responds with, “It might be hard, but because You say so, Jesus, I will do it!” Even if the miserable sinner who is still part of each of us says, I don’t want to. Or, I don’t like that person. Or, that is inconvenient. The faith given by the Holy Spirit says to Jesus, “Yes, I will! I will do so with the joy I have been given in Christ.”

‘And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” They left everything and followed him.’ (Vv. 10-11) This is in response to Peter’s desperate cry that he is a sinful man and unworthy to remain in Jesus’ presence. When you get home, read Isaiah 6 for a similar response. Jesus does not brush off this cry for mercy. Rather, Jesus tells this sinner what He has in store for him. Jesus has a greater vision for Peter than catching fish and cleaning nets. We see in Jesus’ words the fulfillment of 1 Chronicles 29:12, which states: ‘Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.’ Jesus is agreeing with what Peter points out. This miracle had nothing to do with any of these fishermen and Peter knew it. This had everything to do with God’s work. So, God always gets the credit.

Jesus is telling Peter to look at a higher expectation for his own life. Jesus is showing him what a life catching fish had prepared him to do now. The same is true for you and me today.

We also are called not simply to be a neighbor or a student or an employee or a club member or even a churchgoer. Each of us has a “sphere of influence”. Yours is different than mine and likely includes people who I will either never meet or who would never listen to what I have to say. Each of us in our personal “sphere of influence” is a disciple and servant of Jesus Christ. Your love for Christ changes everything about you and about your value system. So, we are called to leave it all behind.

In Peter’s case, this actually meant the abandoning of family, house, friends; the life he had known before. For you and me, it has not been that drastic. Yet, because of our love for Christ and because Christ now lives in you (Galatians 2:20), there are certain people you may have dealings with, but they do not make your close circle of friends. What the Holy Spirit, through Luke, is telling you with this final verse is that you will be called out of you “comfort zone”. There are times when you are expected to share the gospel at a time or with a person you do not especially care for. The same is true for me.

When we are called to this as Christians, do we know where we are going? Not generally. Do we know what the future will bring because of our actions and love for Christ? Most often, no. All each of us knows when we are sent to share the gospel is that Jesus is who He says He is. He is Lord. He is God. He has redeemed you and made you a child of your heavenly Father (Galatians 4:4-7). For you and me, that is all we need to know.[4]

With trusting hearts, each of you has turned your backs on any other life and has followed your Savior. By God’s grace, you have comforted those in need and given them faith (grieving/sickness and hard times of life). You have taught others the faith and led them to Christ (Sunday School/child raising). It is this amazing love of Jesus Christ who died for your sins that you will ‘dwell in the house of the Lord forever’ (Psalm 23:6) rather than be lost forever.

And so it is as we prayed in the Introit Psalm:
‘Praise the LORD!
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commandments! …
Wealth and riches are in his house,
and His righteousness endures forever. …
He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
he has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
his horn is exalted in honor.’ (Psalm 112:1, 3, 7-9)

All is yours because in faith, you are that righteous man. Your are the one the Psalmist refers to and praises the Lord for. This is all true for you because of the great and amazing love of God in Christ Jesus our Savior. You and I have left our selfish life behind and now live for Christ and His kingdom. ‘Praise the LORD!’ Jesus, because you say so, I will!

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, p. 47. Entry #169.
[2] Ibid, p. 105. Entry #474.
[3] The Lutheran Study Bible, p. 1716 note on 5:1-11.
[4] See Lutheran Hour Ministries website for their sermon on this text http://www.lhm.org/.

January 31-Epiphany 4-St. Luke 4:21-32

2010-01-31T06:05:00.002-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘And they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.’ (V. 32)

This word, authority, carries a special meaning. We may not get what Luke is really trying to tell us when we hear or read our translations. Here is a story to illustrate this fact.

E. V. Rieu was a distinguished British scholar, well known for his translations of the works of Homer into English. After a time, this man was asked by his publisher to translate the Gospels. This happened when this scholar was at the age of sixty. He had a lifelong agnostic, that is, he refused to choose whether there was a God or not. He agreed in spite of this to try his hand at translating the Gospels.

At this time, E. V. Rieu’s son stated, “It will be interesting to see what father makes of the four gospels. It will be even more interesting to see what the four gospels make of father”. What a curious statement!

Within a year, Dr. Rieu was converted to Christianity. He observed, “I got the deepest feeling that the whole material was extraordinarily alive. My work changed me. I came to the conclusion that these words bear the seal of the Son of Man and God.” Again, what a curious statement. So, why was it that the people in Capernaum, after Jesus was run out of Nazareth, found Jesus’ teaching to be remarkable?

This story tells us what Luke meant by the word translated as ‘authority’. The words of Jesus, the words of the Gospels that is, are extraordinarily alive. So, let’s explore a bit of that teaching.

‘And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”’ (Vv. 21-2)

So, Jesus tells the people of His hometown that the Messiah had come. The words of Isaiah (Is. 60:1, 2) were fulfilled in their hearing. That is, what Jesus preached was what that Old Testament text spoke about. This statement that ‘“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”’ (V. 21) was simply a first sentence to what Jesus preached that day. Because this was all so remarkable to the people, Jesus went on to explain what He meant by this statement.

On this day and later on, the people would hear Jesus preaching good news, proclaiming freedom and the year of the Lord’s favor (Vv. 18, 19). So Jesus must in this way be the One that Isaiah spoke of. Jesus is telling the people, and you, that He is the Savior sent to save us sinners from sin and damnation by dying in your place. This preaching was not meant simply to convince minds but more importantly, win hearts.

Luke tells us that these Jews thought Jesus’ words were ‘gracious’, which is only to say that the words sounded good to them. In other words, Jesus sounded to these Jews as if he were a smooth talking huckster. We can see this from how they object. They complain that He is Joseph’s son.

What they are telling us as hearers is that, well, this guy can’t be the Messiah. He must be lying to us because we know where He comes from. We know who this is, they thought that when the Messiah came they would not know where He came from. They did not expect Jesus to be the One because they had grown up with him. These Jews only went as far as their eyes would take them.

Some of us are like this with the subject of Chemistry. It is hard for some students to grasp the subject of chemistry because they cannot actually see what is being studied. We can see a rabbit; we can handle it and dissect it. We cannot do the same thing with an oxygen atom or water molecule. These Jews could not comprehend that which they could not handle and see for themselves.

We have this problem even today. We cannot get our sinful minds to go beyond the idea that Jesus is more than simply a great teacher, a good example. We cannot see that He really is the Son of God. So His words amaze us. This teacher speaks with authority. Christians are different. You and I are not different because of some great thing within us. Rather, we are only different from the world because of the faith created in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (SC II: 3rd part). This faith comes not from seeing but by hearing. (Rom. 10:17; St. Jn. 20:29) You and I too need to be on our guard against letting our reason or the outward appearance, as the world describes it, from getting in the way of faith in Jesus and God’s sure promises.

‘And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal yourself.’ What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.” And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.”’ (Vv. 23-24)

Jesus knew what the people were thinking. He could probably tell just by watching their expressions. It was understandably hard for these men to understand and accept what Jesus said because they had either seen Him grow from a boy into a man or they had grown to manhood right beside Him. We have the same problem. We have this problem when someone who grew up in our hometown returns and tells us fantastic things. We most especially have the same problem with Jesus as these people. Our sinful reason thinks, “How can this be? He is just a man.”

Again, we see these people viewing Jesus as just another kind of entertainment. A huckster come to entertain them with wild and amazing stunts. They wanted Jesus to show off to them by doing miracles like He had done in Capernaum. After all, Nazareth was Jesus’ hometown. They should get some pride of place. What they are doing is testing Jesus. They are demanding proof that they might believe Him. We might find ourselves doing the same thing. Don’t we from time to time demand a sign? Especially when God does not seem to be near? Sometimes we require of God that He prove He still exists. For in this “real world”, so-called, God must play to our demands. What a bunch of arrogant clay flower and water pots (see also, Is. 45:9; 64:8) we are.

‘[Jesus said:] “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal yourself.’”’ (V. 23) We, with these listeners to Jesus’ preaching, are the ones in need of healing. You and I are the ones with deadly sores and we are the ones demanding to tell the Physician how to go about His work.

Jesus tells these people something else. He tells them that a prophet, including Himself, is not welcome in his hometown. For this reason, a pastor is not usually sent to the place that He grew up. As we see from Jesus’ experience, the called one of God sent to preach, whether prophet or pastor, is still apt to be second-guessed. This in spite of the pastor getting what he is saying from the Bible. This set up is hard for the faith of both the hearers and the preacher.

Often when a preacher speaks in his hometown, it is like what happens to Jesus, the people refuse to believe. These people at Nazareth still treat Jesus like the little boy they remember and they think He does not know any more than they do.

‘When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down a cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away.’ (Vv. 28-30)

How do these people react when they hear the preaching of the Gospel? What happens when Jesus tells them what He meant by saying, ‘“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”’? (V. 21) They are furious. The Gospel often angers people because it does not tell us what we want to hear.

We may threaten or demand from God that He do what we wish, when we wish. Yet, God will not humor us in this. God, in Jesus, tells us what we need to hear. He never tells us what we want to hear. The only way that you hear what you want to hear in the true preaching of the Gospel is because of the power of the Holy Spirit working faith in your heart. Praise God that you do hear what you want to hear! If you did not, then would be the time to fear.

It is as the Psalmist tells us, our wickedness is without limit. We do not see that our iniquity can be found out by God. In spite of any attempt made by you or me to hide (Gen. 2, 3). And yet, over against this, God continues to love each of us. Though we are sinful, He continues to lavish us with His love through Jesus. Even when on our part, we do not want to believe the gospel. (St. Lk. 16:31)

‘Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God before his eyes.
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
That his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. …
How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.’
Ps. 36:1-2, 7-9

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

+Funeral Sermon for Gordon M.+

2010-01-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

January 24-Epiphany 3-St. Luke 4:14-21

2010-01-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him.’ (V. 17)

Does this sound at all familiar?

It should. Think about it. What happens every Christmas Day service? Or every Ash Wednesday or every Good Friday or every Easter? Do we hear the same Gospel lessons each year? Well, yes. As you know probably better than I do, when Easter comes, you will hear about the Resurrection of our Lord. When we came up to Christmas Day, if we had had that service, we all would have heard a reading from the Gospel of Luke. It would have been the same one as last year, and the year before and the year before.

So, what is happening here? Jesus showed up in Nazareth on a specific day in the church calendar for the Jewish people. He knew what would be the reading for that Sabbath. Now, often when we hear such things as this, we are tempted to give it some supernatural reason for this particular passage from the prophet to be given to Jesus to read.

Remember though, the Jews had a set series of readings from God’s Word given to them to read from each Sabbath service. Just as with us, we have an idea of what we will hear when we go to church and that Sunday’s readings are given. There is a set group of Gospel lessons that tend to come up each year during the season of Epiphany. The Jews had certain texts that would be expected each Sunday.

There may have been something of the divine power of Jesus in action here. It is just as likely that because Jesus, in His human-ness, like us heard the same readings each church service knew what He would be given to read that day. So, Jesus chose that day to announce His ministry in His hometown.

Jesus reads the appointed lesson for the day and then He sat down in order to teach the assembled people. Now, Jesus was a visiting Rabbi, a famous one at that, He probably brought in a larger crowd of believers and unbelievers than the regular Rabbi would have. It was the custom when a Rabbi visited a congregation; it was expected for Him to teach. As Luke said, it was Jesus habit to go and teach in the Synagogue on the Sabbath. If He did not want to teach, Jesus would not have shown up.

Yet, as has always been the case in the true Church through all ages, Jesus teaches us by His attendance at services, that this is where the gifts of God are given out. This is where you and I need to be in order to receive the blessing of God and know that we will receive it. Our Savior is free to bless His children in the places of His choosing. However, we are bound to the services of the church because that is where our Savior tells us in His word that His gifts are given out in Word and Sacrament. So, Jesus goes with everyone else to the place these gifts are given out.

‘And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.’ (Vv. 14-15)

Even before this appearance of Jesus in the Nazareth synagogue, however, Jesus is already famous. He returned after His baptism and temptation filled with the Holy Spirit. And it is true of Jesus what He reads from the prophet Isaiah: ‘“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.’ (V. 18; Is. 61:1)

Just as in a different manner, the same Spirit is upon you as one of the Father’s baptized children. So in those few words, Luke establishes the pattern for Jesus’ ministry. He traveled first around the region of Galilee filled with the Holy Spirit and preaching. Jesus became increasingly famous and He used the synagogues as a means to teach the people. In this preaching the power of the Holy Spirit was in Christ like He still is in you and me. That power is described by Luke as like dynamite. We all have an idea of that. We have either seen its use in removing massive boulders or heard about it in the work of mining and road construction.

The power of the Holy Spirit in the work of Christ must have been an incredible thing to behold!

Yet, remember that there is a bit more of Isaiah in what I earlier quoted. After all, Jesus reads ‘“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.’ (V. 18; Is. 61:1) The Gospel is foremost for this group. The Gospel of the Good News of salvation is for the poor. As Matthew tells us in his account of the Sermon on the Mount, ‘blessed are the poor in spirit’ (St. Mt. 5:1-12).

It is these poor that Jesus is also speaking about. These may be poor in worldly wealth, but that is not what the prophet or Jesus is primarily concerned about. The ‘poor in spirit’ could just as easily be blessed with very great material wealth. The poor of Isaiah’s prophecy here are those who recognize their own sinfulness and need for a Savior. Considering you are all here on a Sunday morning and not sleeping in or preparing for the Viking’s game later today, you are the one’s that our Old Testament lesson and Jesus speak of.

‘He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down.’ (Vv. 18-20)

Jesus gives at the end of our lesson the stunning proclamation, ‘“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”’ (V. 21) Because now in this latter half of the reading from Isaiah, we hear of the mission that Jesus is now working on. That mission, in the work of the church, continues even into today. We are still, as the body of Christ, embarked on this same task. Liberty is being proclaimed to the captives. The prophet here speaks about our spiritual state. We are being told that release out of the bondage of our sins is yours in Christ. Yet, the language that the prophet Isaiah uses here is the language of war.

Jesus is telling us that He is a herald like the patriarch Noah was before the flood (cf. 2 Peter 2:5). Jesus is now God’s Apostle to you and me and all men (cf. St. Jn. 17:3). So, now, just as with Noah, who preached a release from the sure and certain washing away of unrepentant sinners in the coming flood Jesus now proclaims to you and me our release from captivity. In other words, Jesus is telling us in the words of the prophet that prisoners of war will be released. As we pray for the release of the current POW, Bowe Burgdahl each Sunday, so you have already been released from POW status as a captive of the devil.

You have been released by the power of the Holy Spirit who created and still sustains faith in your heart. You have been released from bondage.

Finally, Jesus reads ‘to set at liberty those who are oppressed to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”’ (V. 19) Isaiah is telling us about those who are oppressed or bruised. Such as these are ones that have been broken into pieces. This is in both body and heart. We all know someone who has experienced such points in life as this. You may be now or earlier in your lives experienced this yourself. This is part of Jesus mission here on this sin-ravaged planet. He came to bind up the broken hearted. Jesus came to mend those of us whose hearts have become like broken pieces of pottery[1].

‘Oh, make Thy Church, dear Savior,
A lamp of burnished gold
To bear before the nations
Thy true light as of old!
Oh, teach Thy wandering pilgrims
By this their path to trace
Till, clouds and darkness ended,
They see Thee face to face!’ (TLH 294:4)

Through the love of God in Christ, you have been set free from this. You have been healed, the love of God, the truth of God, has truly set you free (cf. St. Jn. 8:32).

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Word Pictures in the New Testament, Robertson, vol. II pp. 55-57.

Sermon Backlog

2010-01-18T16:58:00.003-06:00

For those of you who read my sermons when I publish them, few though you may be, here are all of those I preached while we were without a computer. I have been busy with various trips and meetings and so I did not get to it until now. Also, I was just not in the mood to be on the computer much. So, enjoy!

January 10-The Baptism of Our Lord-St. Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

2010-01-18T16:54:00.002-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”’ (Vv. 16-17)

Does this sound familiar to anyone? It should. After all, we still do this same thing when the harvest comes on an average year. When you go out in your combine what comes out the back end as you harvest the grain? The chaff. I see it most years, all the combines going through the fields collecting the grain. As they drive along, out the back end comes a shower of plant matter. The chaff.

We do not do things the way that the farmers of the first century did, but we still do much the same things. This is what John describes here. He is telling his hearers what they already know, what a farmer does at harvest. The difference is in what John is connecting this to for his hearers. John is telling you and I that what we see happen at harvest will happen when Jesus comes. He is keeping the end in view as Christians always do. Paul and the prophets teach us this as well (1 Thess. 4:13—5:11). As the prophet Malachi proclaims: ‘for behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.’ (Mal. 4:1)

In the first century a farmer would use oxen to walk the threshing floor having his oxen step on the stalks of grain piled on the floor. Then he forked away the loose straw. Next the farmer got out his large shovel or basket and used it to toss the grain mixed with chaff up into the air to catch the breeze. The wind would blow the chaff aside. The heavier grain fell to the floor. At last the grain was all gathered into containers for storage, and the chaff was burned.

In the same way, John is telling everyone who hears his preaching that the Messiah will separate believers and unbelievers. His judgement will be thorough. John is saying that this judgement is already in progress.

It will become public and final on the last day when he will ‘“gather the wheat into his barn,”’ and ‘“the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”’ (V. 17) Believers, you and I and all Christians, will enter into eternal life, prepared for you from before the beginning of the world (Eph. 1:3-10). Unbelievers will then suffer the punishment of hell. This punishment would be eternal. The fire John speaks of cannot be quenched. That is, it cannot and will not be extinguished[1].

This is Luke’s opening for bringing Jesus to be baptized.

In the verses left out by the readings, we hear that John the Baptizer was imprisoned by Herod. As with the Apostle Paul, this did not stop John’s preaching. We learn later that John had disciples even there. In this continuing of his prophetic office, John is strengthened in his faith and confidently and without resistance, he went to his death. He was given for the path God had set for him to walk by the words of your Savior. Even in prison, John was free indeed (St. Jn. 8:34-38)

This is a lesson for you and I as well. We, because we have been baptized, are given strength for the journey. It is the words of Jesus given along the way by Jesus Himself, which strengthen you for that journey. It does not matter who it is that gives these words; it could be a pastor, a friend, a stranger, or whomever. Jesus gave to John the words of the prophet Isaiah telling what the Messiah would do when He finally came. This was what Jesus was doing throughout His ministry. In the same way, by whatever means, Jesus gives us words of comfort and strength to carry us through in faith until the end.

‘Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”’ (Vv. 21-22)

Just as on New Years Day, we hear of Jesus’ circumcision and naming with that first shedding of blood. It is a foreshadowing of what would come on Good Friday with Jesus’ suffering and death. So here we have a connection again. Here at Jesus’ baptism, we see that even in this, Jesus is numbered with we who are transgressors (Is. 53:12)[2].

Jesus was sinless as Paul tells us, ‘For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.’ (2 Cor. 5:21) Jesus was not baptized for Himself. Instead, Jesus was baptized to be numbered as One bearing your sins. In this act then, Jesus takes upon Himself all the sins of our sinfulness and bears them from this point until He pays for them on the cross. We see Luke making this point as we read through the Gospel. The whole Gospel takes on a darker and darker cast as we travel closer to Golgotha.

Jesus submits Himself to being baptized by His servant, John, in order to make holy all water. He does this to make possible your baptism and mine. For instead of cleansing the One, who was baptized here, the waters of the Jordan were purified instead and were honored with blessings! This is all part of the mystery of baptism. That is, how this one washing in the muddy waters of the Jordan River in Palestine could cleanse every flood and stream so that water is now able to cleanse you and I when combined with the word of God.

Jesus submitted to this washing not so that He might be cleansed. Rather, He was washed both to gather up your sins into Himself but also to cleanse the waters for your sake[3].

In the manner that this happened we are taught how God wants to be known. He is not simply one God. Rather He is one God that is three. This is the nature of the Trinity. We see this played out for our learning when we read these two verses.

‘Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”’ (Vv. 21-22)

When Jesus goes into the water that He might be baptized, He teaches us to always be praying. You or I may often wonder about such commands to be continually in prayer. We feel inadequate because none of us do this. We are eating and getting dressed or we are working and going to school. It is always something.

What we think Jesus and Paul mean by this is not what they actually mean. When the Apostle instructs you and I to be continual in our prayer he is referring to the two times Jews were commanded to pray. They were given to pray both when the awoke and when they went to sleep in the evening, thus Dr. Luther gives us prayers for both of those times (SC: How to Pray).

Yet, have you ever wondered why the Holy Spirit chose a dove for His bodily appearing? Well, remember the Flood (Gen. 6-7). When Noah wanted to know if the waters had gone down he sent out a dove. Noah wanted to know if there was finally peace between God and man. We are washed in Baptism so that we might be innocent as doves. We are washed so that finally you are at peace again with God; your sins have been washed away. So also in Baptism we are made innocent and are gathered into the ark of the Church so that we might be rescued from the flood of sin covering the earth[4].

You now are washed clean and made to be at peace with God. You are no more an enemy of God. Your heavenly Father now declares over you ‘“You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased.”’ (Vv. 21-22)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Sermon Studies on the Gospels, Series C, p. 68. Northwestern Publishing.
[2] Ancient Christian Commentary Series, vol. III p. 67. Cyprian The Good of Patience 6.
[3] Ibid. Maximus of Turin Sermon 13A.3.
[4] ACCS vol. III p. 67. Ambrose Exposition of the Gospel of Luke 2.92.

January 3-The Epiphany of Our Lord-St. Matthew 2:1-12

2010-01-18T16:49:00.001-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem’. (V. 1)

In an old “Peanuts” cartoon by Charles M. Schulz, little Lucy throws up her hands in utter despair and shrieks, “For months we looked forward to Christmas. We couldn’t wait till it came, and now it’s all over!”

Even Christmas is a fraud, it would seem. For a few brief moments there is a special glow in the air. Life is softer, more joyful, more exciting somehow. For a few breathless moments the world is a magic land where everybody loves everybody and problems melt away.

But then the magic moment is past. The tinsel wasn’t silver after all, only aluminum foil. The problems all return, and the gaiety and laughter turn out to be only whistling in the dark. The warm glow of friendship disappears, and people become strangers again. They pass each other by, unknown and unrecognized[1].

When we read or hear this passage, it really does seem this way. After all, this past Thursday night, New Year’s Eve, we heard the previous verses at the end of chapter one. Those verses told us about Jesus’ birth and the angel’s appearing to Joseph to reassure him. Joseph is finally given “top secret clearance” so to speak. Before this time, Mary had not told him what was going on. It seemed so fantastic to her that she did not believe that she had any right to expect him to believe her statement that she was pregnant by the Spirit of the Living God.

Once Joseph received the word of the angel that what was done in Mary was of the Holy Spirit, he not only stopped considering putting her away, but he also took her home as his wife. So, Jesus was born in wedlock. Joseph proved himself worthy of his name, his name means “upright”, showing that he was an upright man in a most difficult situation.

Yet, the whole account here in Matthew seems a bit cut short. We are used to hearing Luke’s account and so this seems to brush off the great story of the Nativity of our Lord too quickly. So, when we hear the first words of this Gospel for Epiphany, it seems as if Christmas was only a bit of whistling in the dark.

Think about it again, Matthew himself only appears to be passing over the birth of Christ to get to the appearance of the Magi. The evangelist spends more time on this event than he did retelling the birth of the Savior. So, glory of the whole Christmas event seems over and done in a matter of moments.

‘Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”’ (Vv. 1, 2)

This account of the coming of the Magi to worship Jesus is an interesting one. In contrast to Luke’s account of the shepherds, there is silence for these men. With the shepherds, there is the angel giving the remarkable proclamation of God come down to men. Those lowly men watching their sheep heard the heavenly soldiers pausing from their ongoing war with the fallen angels who remain in open rebellion against God that they could go and sing the praises of the newborn God-Man to these simple Jewish men.

The scene is a glorious one. It was probably the highlight of their lives, something they spoke of for years to all that would listen. Here in Matthew, we have nothing of that. There is no scene of heaven being rent open. There are not angelic legions singing praises. There is not mention of even the one angel. All these men were given was a sign. Hence St. Paul’s words, ‘prophecy has been given for believers not for unbelievers, but signs have been given for unbelievers and not for believers’ (1 Cor. 14:22).

So, Joseph had the words of the angel to him. These men only had the sign of a star. The ancients placed a lot of importance on the movements of the planets and stars. It was said that at the birth or death of great men a star would appear. So, for these gentile wise men, it was only natural that a star should be given at the appearance of the Messiah. Possibly they had heard the prophets words about the coming Messiah from the Jews exiled to their city. At any rate, they would have been traveling to where the star led to see a man such as the philosopher Plato or the great conqueror Alexander.[2]

At the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, both the angelic proclamation was given and the very creation itself showed forth His arrival. The reason that the Jews heard from an angel was, as people who had been given faith, they could again use their reason and so a reasoning being, an angel, appeared to them. The magi were likely not believing, and so a sign, a star, was given to them. Without faith, they could not yet make full use of their reason to know the Lord.[3]

This is what the Apostle meant by saying that prophecy is for believers but unbelievers will only be given signs. Wordless proclamation of the Gospel message.

‘And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.’ (Vv. 11-12)

As these truly wise men arrive they come bearing gifts, for they recognized the coming of our Savior when so many others did not. So also it is for you and for me.

At our second birth at Baptism, Jesus, the wise man of so many Old Testament prophecies comes bearing gifts for you and for me. Jesus was given gold, frankincense and myrrh. You and I are given new life, you are rescued out of your spiritual bondage from the devil and you are given a seat at the heavenly banquet table with Jesus and the Father as the Father’s adopted son.

It is to this promise of sonship with Jesus that we cling to throughout our lives in faith. This word of God promise and prayer are our weapons against the lies Satan whispers in our ears. Ours is a defensive struggle. We are called to stand firm in faith until the end. No matter what.

In this word of promise you have been given a truth that should be clung to and believed no matter what comes our way. God does not abandon or desert us. God does not and will not abandon His people. God’s love is there when a treasured loved one dies. God’s love is there when worldly affairs do not go our way; no matter what that may include. God’s love is there when we weep and mourn and His love is there when we rejoice and sing. His love was there when Jesus was arrested accused and crucified. That love was there in the garden when Jesus was in great spiritual agony and when He died for your sins.

We are encouraged by this Epiphany Gospel to remember that God’s love is there even when He does not seem to be. At those times when it appears we have only been given a silent sign and no spoken prophecy.

It is then that we trust and cling all the tighter to the truth of God’s Word that Jesus is still your Savior. He is still there beside you. He will lead you through pain, fear, worry, and even persecution to peace. In this we remember the words of our Introit Psalm:
‘For he delivers the needy when he calls,
the poor and him who has no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
and precious is their blood in his sight. …
May his name endure forever’.
(Ps. 72:12-14, 17a)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, p. 39, entry #133.
[2] Word Pictures in the New Testament, Robertson, vol. I Matthew and Mark pp. 16-17.
[3] ACCS NT vol. I p. 22. Gregory the Great Forty Gospel Homilies 10.1.

December 31-The Eve of the Name of Jesus-St. Matthew 1:18-21

2010-01-18T16:46:00.002-06:00

December 25-The Nativity of Our Lord-St. Luke 2:1-20

2010-01-18T16:43:00.002-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.’ (V. 9)

Have you ever seen something in the night that was strange and a bit frightening? Probably. I know I have sometimes seen out of the corner of my eye movement. So, because I am driving, I look off in that direction expecting a deer. Yet, I see nothing. I have never been sure if it has been a trick of my eyes or what it is I see.

You have probably had a similar experience. At least in the sense of seeing something strange that you cannot explain. That is what these shepherds saw. After all, imagine if you will you are sitting on a hillside with some of your buddies. All of you are surrounded by the sheep that you are watching over as you do most nights.

Perhaps you have built a sod fire, remember much of the wood of the region has been stripped from the countryside for other uses for years. This is of course assuming there was enough extra grass growing that you could afford to waste it on a fire. Most likely these men were sitting in the dark either talking or just dozing, half asleep.

Watching grazing animals would not have been terribly exciting. At the most, there was the random and infrequent attack by a thief; either of the animal or human variety. All of a sudden, in the midst of a star thick sky, there appears this creature you have never seen before and whose radiance was blinding. It would have been easy to be afraid. In fact, it is a miracle of our merciful God that these men were not driven mad by the appearing of the angel. He boomingly declares to all of you a glorious message, if true. Then the scene takes a turn and becomes crazier. A mighty host, the size of a great and glorious army appears and begins singing!

‘And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”’ (Vv. 10-12)

Considering what was the response of these men, that is, abject terror, it is no wonder that the first angel to appear to them begins the way he does. This angel begins as the angels always begin when we meet them in the four Gospels, he tells them, “Fear not!”

Have you ever noticed this message? I mean, really noticed it and thought about it?

Think about it now.

What is the angel really telling you and me? He is telling us an incredible and amazing mystery. Consider those glorious words again. ‘[He] “who is Christ the Lord. … You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”’ (Vv. 11-12) The first, for the angel to declare that the one born is the “Lord” is to use a Greek word commonly used to refer to God, either the true God or pagan idols. In other words, the angel is saying that God has been born to all people that night. Again, the second statement that the angel gives us tells us for sure that the individual being referred to really is a tiny newborn baby. For this one is wrapped in swaddling cloths.

Such a wrap, as young mothers know, is even today common for newborns as it helps them to adjust to the abrupt change from womb to the outside world. So, we have an angel making proclamation to these poor rejected men using divine terms and terms for infants. Such a contradiction would have only confused these men all the more.

How is it that our big God put himself into the confines of a tiny baby? Not simply the smallness of a newborn, but the microscopic smallness of a newly conceived baby! We cannot comprehend such a thing, but there it is. This is the reality of our merciful and loving God. He not only came into this sin-filled, yucky world of ours to rescue us from our sin. Jesus, the second member of the Trinity, became one of us!

Now think about what is going on in our lives today. The government is getting evermore into the personal details of our lives. And this they do whether we have asked them or not. They are assuming that the government knows better than any of us here. This current government is grabbing for power that is not given them by our Constitution. Not only this, our economy is still struggling. Large numbers of our fellow Americans are out of work. We may be one of them. We very likely know at least one person who is out of work because of the economy. In view of this, those who are out of work are in grave danger of major depression and other mental and thus spiritual trials.

On top of all these things, the harvest has been a trial for many. At the very least it has been an exercise of patience for the farmers as they have worked to get the crops out of the field. None of this is what we would have wished for ourselves at last Christmas. Yet, remember that proclamation of the angel. ‘[He] “who is Christ the Lord. … You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”’ (Vv. 11-12)

If our big, infinite God can know how to get Himself into the form the size of a newborn baby, it is our blessed confidence that this same God can also know and want to see us through all that we are now experiencing. No matter how bad it may be, we know this for sure. ‘But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we mighty become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.’ (Titus 3:4-7)

Your Savior has rescued you from your sin. He did not do this because you deserved it for some reason. No, Jesus rescued you because of His own mercy. So, we can be confident that our God will rescue us and bring us through whatever trial and trouble has come our way this year. Whatever you are going through, the Savior whom you trust in for your salvation cares. He has promised never to forsake (Heb. 13:5, 6) His chosen ones and He has promised to also provide what you need.

With this in view, we sing with the angelic hosts:
‘“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among
those with whom he is
pleased!”’ (V. 14)
God loves you and has reconciled you to Himself. His armies now declare this peace to you and me. Let us now worship and adore our incarnate Savior and God with reverence and awe.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

December 24-Children's Christmas Program-St. Luke 2:1-20

2010-01-18T16:40:00.001-06:00

December 20-The Visitation-Luke 1:39-55

2010-01-18T16:32:00.002-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘And she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”’ (Vv. 40-42)

In a city in India, named Krishnasamadrum, lived an old, blind Christian teacher, whose heart burned for the Savior. Like Simeon, (St. Lk. 2:30) this man had seen the salvation of the Lord, though in his case it was by the spirit that he had seen it. So, he could not help but go and tell others of this salvation.

One day, a missionary came and passed through that city. He found 26 converts ready for baptism, converts brought forward by that old, faithful teacher. So a little congregation was organized. That small church grew until the name of the city was changed from “the City of Krishna” (the pagan god) to “the City of Christ,” Kristasamadrum[1].

Such a response brought out by faith in the Savior, this is what we heard from Elizabeth in today’s Gospel lesson. We even saw it given by her unborn son, John the Baptizer. After all, he leapt in her womb!

This child would bring many to a preparation for faith in the promised Savior, Jesus. He would plant the seeds for untold numbers of faithful followers of Christ. John’s preaching in preparation for Jesus’ preaching planted the seed of faith even in some of the disciples and so in turn prepared the way for the changing of the Roman Empire from a pagan empire to a Christian empire!

We have all of these canticles like the one from Mary in our Gospel set to music. Mary’s is the Magnificat; we have that to sing during the order of Vespers (TLH p. 41). Zechariah’s song, the Benedictus, which comes with the birth of John, is the alternate canticle for today’s order of service (p. 32). Simeon’s song and the song of the angels are given for us to use in the regular Sunday service in the Gloria in Excelsis and the post-Communion canticle, the Nunc Dimittis (p. 5 and 15).

The names come from the first word in Latin. However, Elizabeth’s song is not so recorded. We do not have it set to music. Except, she did sing these words when Mary greeted Elizabeth at her door and John leapt in her womb. All of these are responses of faith, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to the events shown to these faithful saints.

They sang because singing is the highest form of praise we humans can give. ‘Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.’ (Ps. 96:1, 2)

Let us back up though, ‘In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah’ (V. 39). I back up to the beginning of our reading because this is a humble thing that Mary does. She did not have to, but chose to go and see her cousin to serve her. Those ladies, who conceived and were pregnant later, you understand the need of a helper.

Now, imagine conceiving a child now. That is, when you are long past naturally being able to conceive and bear a child. This was the position Elizabeth found herself in. Yet, many mothers, if they have a child later in life have other children in the house who could help. Elizabeth had no such help. She had never born any other children and very likely was not in the position of Sarah. Abraham was wealthy and could afford a slave to be only concerned with Sarah’s needs. When Sarah bore Isaac, she had Hagar to serve her and help when she had need. (Gen. 17:15-21; 21:1-21)

Elizabeth was not in such a prime economic position. Her husband, Zechariah, was not wealthy and so could not afford to hire someone to help her during her pregnancy. So, as I stated, Mary came to serve her cousin. As a virgin, and an attentive one, she came that she might commit herself to ministering to a woman of advanced age. Mary came to help at the end of the pregnancy, when Elizabeth would most need her assistance. So also, you and I can show Christ to our neighbor by helping him in his need.

This was a humble thing for Mary to do, she could have complained that it was too long of a journey and she would soon not be in a position to help anyway. After all, she, having already conceived Jesus in her womb (Vv. 26-38). She did not have to go and help her cousin. Yet, as we find out through the latter half of our reading, in Mary’s song, she is a humble young girl. She did not see it as being above her to serve her cousin Elizabeth, to help the older woman in her need[2].

‘And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”’ (Vv. 43-45)

How true are the words of the prophet, ‘but this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.’ (Is. 66:2; see also, LXX) What the prophet means by the speaking of the Lord looking upon someone is, upon whom does my spirit rest. In other words, the pregnant woman Elizabeth. She, and also Mary, were humble women. They did not see or count this as being because of their own merit that these things should be happening to either one. Elizabeth, though she had been blessed of God to finally bear a child, and what is more a son, which considered a special blessing in the ancient world as in this way the family line would be preserved. She did not count this or her close family relationship to Mary as any reason why Mary might visit her.

Due to the great things that they would have to do as mothers, both of these women would likely have received from the Holy Spirit, a special and extra helping of humility and strength. For consider Mary or Joseph, how would they or any of you here raise a sinless Son? What would you be able to teach him? How would you take knowing that you had sinned in your raising of Him?

Or, consider Elizabeth, she was unlike the mothers of such prophets as Elijah or Isaiah or Micah, their mothers did not know what they would become when they bore them. It was only later that anyone knew that these men would be the great prophets of the Most High God. That status as prophets which they became later by the power of the Holy Spirit. How would you raise even a sinful son knowing that he would be the prophet of God, the very ‘voice of one crying in the wilderness’ (Is. 40:3-5)? I would expect even that would be difficult in its own way. So, very likely, Elizabeth and Zechariah were blessed with an extra measure of humility and strength they would need for their task.[3]

Thank the Lord that He does give us the strength for the tasks He lays before us. You also are given the words to say (cf., St. Lk. 21:13-15), or the humility or the strength or whatever else you may need. You are given such blessings not because of any merit within you, but rather because God has chosen you to do something for Him. As much as you or I or any other Christian fails in our task, one of our tasks is this, to share the hope that is in us (cf., 1 Pt. 3:15) in that place in which we have been put.

It is ours to share this joyous message that Jesus has come. Jesus has become the sacrificial Lamb, sacrificed on the wood of the cross (Gen. 22) to pay for each of your sins. And, our task is also to warn. For as we know, Jesus is coming again. This time there will be no preaching, as Jesus did, ‘“Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand”’ (St. Mk. 1:15). At that time, it will only be one of two messages. Either, ‘“Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”’. Or, it will be heard, ‘“Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”’ (St. Mt. 25:34, 41)

Praise the Lord that you here will hear that first message. ‘“Come, you who are blessed by my Father”’. Sing with the Psalmist: ‘Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.’ (Ps. 96:1, 2)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, p. 209, entry #979.
[2] ACCS NT vol. III p. 21. Bede the Venerable Homilies on the Gospels 1.4.
[3] ACCS NT vol. III p. 22. Bede the Venerable Homilies on the Gospels 1.4.

Epiphany 2-St. John 2:1-11

2010-01-18T10:50:00.002-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.’ (2 John 3) Amen.

‘When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”’ (Vv. 3-4)

Mary shows her faith in this passage. She remembered all those things from the infancy narrative (St. Lk. 1:26-45; 2:22-38) and from when Jesus was twelve and stayed in the Temple (St. Lk. 2:41-52). She remembered all those events of which Luke tells us, Mary treasured all these things in her heart. The trouble came with what Mary expects of Jesus.

Jesus had just been baptized and so was inaugurated into the public portion of His life (St. Lk. 3:21, 22). Jesus was no longer a young child who was sent this way and that by His mother fulfilling errands. He was no longer subject to her demands in the same way. Mary has not quite grasped that at this point. She still sees Him as her little boy.

Jesus means no disrespect to His mother. He is simply making such a point clear to her and the others with Him. Yet, Jesus still fulfills the fourth commandment and honors His mother (Small Catechism I).

Do any of you remember that time in your life when you were just beginning to step out on your own? You had begun to be your own public person, no longer connected to either of your parents? Well, this is the point at which Jesus and Mary find themselves in. It probably took you a bit to gain your bearings when it came to your adult responsibilities. It probably took your parents just as long to understand this also.

When Jesus responds to His mother’s expectation with ‘what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”’ (V. 4) He means no disrespect. Jesus is only telling her that it was not her place to tell Him what to do when it came to His calling. In this, Mary was not Jesus’ mother. Rather she was just another sinner in need of His forgiveness.

Isn’t this the height of comfort to know that Jesus own mother is not treated any differently than you or me?

Mary can be forgiven for her assumption. I would suspect most of us in a similar situation would think the same thing. After all, Jesus had just been very publicly baptized and so this would seem a good opportunity to continue that work. This seemed to Mary to be a good time to show forth His majesty and announce that this carpenter-teacher was really God in human flesh.

We are reminded in this that God’s timing is not always the same as yours or mine. That is what Jesus is trying to communicate here. He is not saying that it would be bad to help this couple out of their embarrassing situation. Rather, Jesus is saying that He is working on a different timetable. He is working on a divine schedule.

‘What does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”’ (V. 4)

Did you catch it? Probably. Mary did when Jesus told her these words. Jesus did not tell her “no”. Instead, Jesus told her, “not yet”. So, in response, Mary does not order her Son around. Mary simply tells the gathered servants, ‘“Do whatever he tells you.”’ (V. 5) Mary understood what Jesus was getting at. She knew now that her Son was no longer the young lad that she ordered around with messages for Joseph or other errands. She understood that it was finally time for Jesus to enter into that work which His Father had sent Him into the world to accomplish.

Mary learns here faith. She learns that her Son, Jesus, is the Son of God.

‘Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.’ (Vv. 6-9)

This embarrassment that the bridegroom and bride would have suffered at being found without enough wine for the expected seven-day feast was enough for Jesus to step in and be merciful. Mary had left it to Jesus to decide what He would do. Jesus chose here a way, privately, to show His mercy but not to step forth publicly as the God-Man.

In this, Jesus shows us that His primary goal in coming in the flesh was as a mercy journey. Christ’s coming in the flesh for you and for me was because His ‘mercies never come to an end’ (Lam. 3:22). Even in this small thing, this preserving of the joy of the marriage feast, Jesus not only blesses the couple with His presence. Jesus also preserves their joy. So, Jesus does not tell anyone what He was doing. The servants probably thought that what they were being told was quite odd. However, as servants, it was not theirs to question.

So, sometimes, it is not my place or your place to question why things happen the way that they do. We simply do as these servants and trust our Savior to know what He is doing. We do what the official does in regard to the healing of his son by Jesus a little bit later, the man took Jesus at His word. (cf. St. Jn. 4:50) We trust that when we do as Jesus has ordered us, it will be what the master expects.

Unlike those servants, you and I know that our Savior is a merciful Savior and God. We know that He loves us as a bridegroom His bride (cf. Is. 62:5). We know then that He will care for us in both the small trials and the great trials of life.

Because we see Jesus being concerned with the relatively minor embarrassment of running out of wine at your own wedding, so we know He will be concerned with the greater troubles of life. We know because of this passage in John that our God will always look after us. You are His adopted son and so the Father loves you as He loves His own only-begotten Son (cf. Gal. 4:4-7).

When life gives us trial. When we find ourselves without work set adrift seemingly in life without that anchor to give us understanding of our place in society. It is a truth that many people, at least in this country, define themselves by their job. They see themselves as having worth because they are gainfully employed.

We may all know that this is not the truth, but it does not change how some view themselves. In this, Christ will also see us through. He will provide us with the ability to redefine ourselves or He will provide you with a new job. Our loving God will provide whatever it is that each of us needs when trials come.

This bridal couple learns faith. They learn that Jesus is the Son of God.

As I said before, Jesus gave this couple a precious wedding gift. First, He did this by accepting their invitation. After all, it is a sad thing when you throw a party to have the people you most want in attendance to decline. Beyond this, Jesus solved for that couple an embarrassing problem. Finally, Jesus chose that day of all days, and that event as the occasion for His first miracle. When we read of a miracle being performed in the New Testament, the Greek word always refers to a sign given that people might believe. That is, a sign pointing toward Jesus, the Messiah. Only unbelievers refuse to accept such an obvious sign[1].

We see this also in the words of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians of our Epistle lesson. Paul begins His words about the gifts of the Spirit by speaking first of the gift of faith. We hear Paul’s words: ‘I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says, “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit’ (1 Cor. 12:3). Here we see a comparison of the unbeliever on one hand and the believer on the other. So in this way, we see this to be true in the case of Jesus’ disciples. He had at least five: Peter, Andrew, John, Philip, and Nathaniel.

These men already had put their faith in Jesus. If they had not, they would not have been following Him. This event provided to strengthen that seed of faith. As John writes: ‘This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.’ (V. 11) So also, with our own baptism, you and I have been given the same gift of faith through the working of the Holy Spirit (Small Catechism II: 3rd). ‘He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.’ (Ps. 40:3) We trust that our Savior and Brother, Jesus, will see us through the both the great trials and the small.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Sermon Studies on the Gospels, Series C Northwestern, p. 74.

Praying for the people of Haiti

2010-01-14T14:44:00.004-06:00

There are some very good responses to the earthquake in Haiti. Here you can read the words of a New Orleans pastor. Here and here you can be told what we know from the LC-MS World Relief and Human Care head. Finally, you can go here if you wish to donate for this crisis. Whatever you are able or choose to do, I urge you to pray for the people of this poor Island nation. As the first pastor, the one from New Orleans states, the missing pastors include some of his, and my, classmates at seminary.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

The Great "O" Antiphons

2009-12-23T06:00:00.001-06:00

December 23
O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord,
the anointed for the nations and
their Savior:
Come and save us, O Lord our God.

The Great "O" Antiphons

2009-12-22T06:00:00.002-06:00

December 22
O King of the nations, the ruler
they long for, the cornerstone
uniting all people:
Come and save us all,
whom You formed out of clay.

The Great "O" Antiphons

2009-12-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

December 21
O Dayspring, splendor of light
everlasting:
Come and enlighten those who sit
in darkness and in the shadow
of death.

The Great "O" Antiphons

2009-12-20T06:00:00.001-06:00

December 20
O Key of David and scepter of the
house of Israel, You open and no one
can close, You close and no one
can open:
Come and rescue prisoners who
are in darkness and the shadow
of death.

The Great "O" Antiphons

2009-12-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

December 19
O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign
before the peoples, before whom all
kings are mute, to whom the nations
will do homage:
Come quickly to deliver us.

The Great "O" Antiphons

2009-12-18T06:00:00.001-06:00

December 18
O Adonai and ruler of the house of
Israel, who appeared to Moses in
the burning bush and gave him the
Law on Sinai:
Come with an outstretched arm
and redeem us.

The Great "O" Antiphons

2009-12-17T16:03:00.003-06:00

December 17
O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth
of the Most High, pervading and
permeating all creation, mightily
ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way
of prudence.

These seven ancient antiphons are the series upon which the hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is based upon. They were used at Vespers during the last Seven days of Advent. They are found in the Lutheran Service Book 357. Thank you to Pastor Weedon for the idea.

Unemployement

2009-12-17T06:00:00.001-06:00

This article helped me to fully grasp the depth and difficulty of this economic recession. So far, where we live in rural MN and the fact that I do still have a job, has insulated me. This has helped me more specifically, grasp what kinds of effects joblessness can have on each of us. I am thankful this article came along since it has given me a better grasp on what a few of my members and their families may be going through after the recent closing of the prison in our area. This was one of our major employers.

The message of the article made me very thankful that I still have a job. I am thankful that, many of our friends and relatives (not all) have remained employed. We have been and continue to pray for all our friends, neighbors and relatives. We will be praying that more jobs become available for them and for all in this nation. We are praying for those who are currently unemployed and those who still are employed.

Advent Midweek 3-Mary's Song-St. Luke 1:46-56

2009-12-16T06:00:00.003-06:00

A Little Something about Snow

2009-12-15T06:27:00.002-06:00

This post, from the blog I linked yesterday, gives a delightful description of snow. For those who are in the midst of the "annual great white rearrangement", here is another way to look at such things. We more often than not think of snow and only remember the slush on city streets or the scraping of windows every morning or the shoveling of sidewalks that must be done. We forget about the joy we first felt each winter at the first snow when we were children. We forgot that we too used to put out our tongue to taste the snow. Some of us declaring that it was not done yet or just right!

Also, notice in the second half the argument, not simply for the existance of "a god", but of the God of Genesis. The God who knits (Psalm 139) each of us in our mother's womb. This is the same God who with intricate care creates billions of snowflakes for each snowfall. Even if they will melt in a month or later that same day. After you read this, go play in the snow!

Latin Hymns--Updated

2009-12-14T06:00:00.005-06:00

I found this post (scroll down to the one titled "Latin Hymns") at a delightful blog that Elephant's Child made me aware of, thank you for that. I thought this was a wonderful post from last week about how to listen to Latin hymns. We more often than not hear these hymns in their English translations, but every once in a great while, such as at this blog, we get to hear them in the original language that they were first sung in.

By the way, the first hymn mentioned is LSB 332 "Savior of the Nations Come". The other two are perhaps, LSB 442 "All Glory Laud and Honor" and the third is possibly the Latin words for Psalm 26:6. This Psalm is titled: Cantabos Domine. Thank you to Ewe and to my father-in-law for helping. I should have been able to guess "All Glory Laud and Honor". Oh, well.

HT: Laudator Temporis Acti

"The poor (read: hungry) you will always have with you"

2009-12-13T15:01:00.003-06:00

That statement of Jesus (St. Matthew 26:11) was running through my head as I read this news story. It is nonetheless the goal of the Christian Church, as it has been for millenia, to help those we can help. Remember to continue to pray, even after the economy picks back up, for those who cannot put enough food (or any) on the table. Even in this "land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 33:3) here in the U.S.A. Even better; act, look around, do what you are able where you are.

If you would like to know more about what there is to do to help, go here or here.

Advent 3-St. Lucia Day-St. Luke 3:7-18

2009-12-13T06:00:00.002-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. (2 John 3) Amen.

‘ “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.”’ (V. 8)

Good parents are no guarantee of good children. Just look at those who came out to hear John preach. He anticipated the thinking of these people with these words. He warns them that if they want to gain heaven, they must bear good fruit. It does not matter who your parents are.

Just because this group of people could claim ancestry from Abraham, did not get them a free pass with God. These, as with you and me, would be judged on their own actions and works. True repentant faith, like that which John preaches about, gives you eternal life. Your parents do not give this to you.

It is the same even today. People think, “well, my parents were good people”, or, “I went to church all my life”, or, “I was baptized a Lutheran”. Yet, the question must be asked, “where are you now?” The reputation of a parent is a good recommendation in business, but the faith of the parent is no passport into heaven for the child. If I had entered the business world after college, it is possible that I could have used my father’s good name to help me land a certain job. My father’s faithful life as a Christian however, will do me no good at those gates of pearl (Rev. 21:21).

The children of the godly can be quite ungodly in their behavior. It is a notorious fact that people who go wrong after good training are often more wicked than others. All a person need do is look today at those leaders of infidelity and see how many came from good families[1].

‘ “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”’ (V. 9)

What is John speaking of? Who is the axe and what will happen next now that the axe is laid at the root of the tree? The description that John gives here sounds like an orchard. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be a fruitful orchard. Yet, the lack of fruit does not come from the trees being too old. Rather, the fruitlessness comes from bad trees.

John is talking to the people of Jesus. The witness of the light bears witness here that the axe is made ready by God. The judgement of humanity is now at hand. This is why John had just warned the people to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. For if not, then the tree of humanity would be cut down root and branch. The head of the family with the children would be wiped out and would remain no more.

John is telling us here that the judgement is at hand. Yes, at the first coming of our Savior, He came in mercy. However, soon the world’s Redeemer will come again in judgement. There is hope here though. After all, the axe is not laid in the root of the trees. Instead, the axe is laid by the root. Those unrepentant, that brood of vipers John here speaks to, they will be destroyed root and branch. The rest of the multitude, the repentant ones, they are the remnant that will be rescued out of the fire set to destroy the chaff[2].

‘Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”’ (Vv. 11-14)

These along with the soldiers were among the harlots, all considered outcasts in Jewish society. None were welcome and so it was easy for them to do what John here warns them not to do.

The Roman system of taxation was not set up for the collectors to be liked. These individuals “bought” the right to gather tax from a certain area. Then, they were given a small wage out of what they were authorized to collect. The unfortunate consequence of this system was that the collector would extort whatever he could collect on top of what he was authorized. The Roman government did not care so long as they got their cut.

Such tax collectors as these would have been considered by the rest as blood suckers. It was the worst when a Jew collected taxes for the hated Roman overlords from Jews. There would also have been included among these tax collectors those who were simply outcasts and not literally tax collectors. The term would have been used as a sort of catchall.

All of these though wanted to receive the baptism of repentance. This is why they had gone out to John[3].

So, next to approach the prophet were a group of soldiers. These may have been hired soldiers, mercenaries rather than the professional Roman legionnaires. One perennial complaint of hired soldiers is lack of pay. Whatever it is, it is never enough. After all, the word wages used here by John for these soldiers implies the ability to purchase bread and broiled fish. A good meal as it is, but certainly one that would begin to get old soon. This does not pretend to be a varied diet.

John in his words does not condemn war in general. If he had, he would have told the soldiers to throw down their arms and look for a different line of work, giving up military service entirely. Instead, Christians have always seen military service as the noble office and profession it is. Instead, the prophet tells these men, ‘“Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”’ (V. 14)[4]

Notice in both of these groups, that John does not condemn them for engaging in their profession. He only condemns any sinful behavior that they found themselves prone to. It is the same for you and me. John does not condemn you in your profession, whatever it may be. Instead, he condemns your sinful behavior that is not in keeping with the bearing of fruits for repentance.

‘As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’ (Vv. 15, 16)

Here in the thoughts and questioning of the multitudes gives John a temptation. It would have been easy for him to reply, “Well, yes, you are correct”. This in spite of the fact that John was of the wrong family line. Instead, John remained the friend of the Bridegroom. He remained faithful to the One who is our Master and Lord.

It is easy sometimes, through the temptations of the world, for you or I to get distracted from the one on whom we are to dwell. We often times in our sinful desires lose sight of our Savior. Then we are like Peter walking on the water out to Christ. As soon as the Apostle took his eyes of Jesus, he began to sink into sin (St. Mk. 6:45-52). So it is for you and me. When we take our eyes of Jesus, we sink into the mire of sin.

It is then that the Holy Spirit in mercy does for you what He does for the people through the words of the prophet John. John remains focused on the Coming One in the face of this temptation. The Holy Spirit uses John to call the people back to the proper focus. God lifts them back out of the miry pit (Ps. 40:1-4).

John does this by describing himself as so low of a servant of the King as to not even be capable of doing the lowest task of a slave. You and I are in the same humble position. We are not capable, because of our sinful condition (Rom. 3:19-28), of doing any more than John. So, John tells us that Jesus is coming that we might be purified with fire (Mal. 3:1-4). He will refine us as silver or gold, burning off the dross, our sin, that we may remain in His house forever (Ps. 23:6). It is because of this great mercy that our God displays toward you and all humanity that we rejoice this Advent and Christmas season.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, p. 33 entry #102.
[2] ACCS NT vol. III pp. 61-2. Gregory the Great Forty Gospel Homilies 6; Cyril of Alexandria Commentary on Luke, Homily 7.
[3] Ibid, p. 62. Origen Homilies on the Gospel of Luke 23.5, 9.
[4] ACCS NT vol. III p. 63. St. Augustine Letter 138.

Split Pea Soup

2009-12-12T14:24:00.002-06:00

"Peas are ancient. This we know, one archaeological find, in a cave on the border between Burma and Thailand, was carbon-dated at 9750 B.C. The first mention of eating dried peas, however, is from ancient Rome. Peas are a legume, and like their kin--lentils and beans--they maintain all their nutrients (which are substantial) and flavor when dried, even when stored for a couple of years at warm room temperatures.

Most dried peas, both yellow and green, are sold split, are very inexpensive, and, I think, as decorative as they are delicious. One suggestion states, keep them in a canning jar that has a rubber gasket, in a screw-top jar, or in a jar with a ground glass stopper and display them on a counter or shelf. Besides being attractive, this will also make you think of them some late fall or winter day when you want to eat something substantial but don't know what."
--excerpted from Arthur Schwartz's "What to Cook..."

Split Pea Soup

This is a very thick soup, but in no way a stodgy soup. Plenty of onion, carrot, and celery see to that. If you want, you can use a food processor not only to blend the soup at the end but also to chop up the veggies. We do not do either.

Serves 6 to 8

1 pound green or yellow split peas (2 cups)
1 cup very finely chopped carrot (about 2 medium or 3 small)
1 cup very finely chopped onion (1 large or 2 or 3 small)
1 cup very finely chopped celery (2 or 3 ribs)
7 cups water
1 large bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper

1. In a large pot, combine all the ingredients except salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer about 50 minutes, until peas are soft.

optional 2nd step. In two or three batches, puree the peas and vegetables in a food processor or blender or through a food mill.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Return to a simmer and cook briefly to make very hot for serving. (The soup will keep for several days in the refrigerator, you can add extra water as you desire. We do not add any, simply reheating a bowl at a time.)

Variations: If desired, add a ham bone, smoked ham hock, or diced bacon to all the other ingredients (yes, the bacon will cook through in 50 minutes!). (The ham hock, on the other hand, will flavor the soup, but it won't really cook through in an hour, so have another meal ready for it if you chose the ham hock.) If not using meat, serve with a dollup of sour cream (daisy brand or another that has no extra ingredients added in, some have corn syrup added!)

Substitutions: This is a vegetarian soup and it has a clear, sweet pea flavor. The author prefers that to the meat-muddied soup, but chicken broth does add a depth that can be desirable. Use canned broth for some of the water.

We do not include the pepper or salt at cooking, preferring to add that seasoning at the table.

Optional Croutons:
Toast 1/2- to 1-inch-thick slices of bread on both sides, either on a baking sheet or toaster oven. Rub one side of the bread with a cut clove of garlic (we use powdered garlic), drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Eat.
A Fresh Touch: Top with diced tomatoes, if you have them, and chopped garlic and olive oil.

The Manhattan Declaration

2009-12-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is a vitally important document. I cannot urge all of you strongly enough to read this declaration, sign it and then share it. We as Christians cannot remain silent. We need to join with our brothers and sisters in our faith who lived in previous centuries and battled against other, earlier evils.

Speaking out against such as this is part of our vocation as Christians.

This document deals with the critical issues of our age; life, marriage, freedom of conscience. The three issues dealt with here are the ones that will define us, I believe, as Christians.

Follow the link below the Pelican. Go, read, sign.

Advent 2 Midweek-Zechariah's Prophecy-St. Luke 1:67-80

2009-12-09T06:00:00.002-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

‘And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people’. (Vv. 67-8)

In the early years of the Massachusetts colony, a white settlement that was a bit inland and toward the south end of the colony was suddenly attacked by a large force of Indians. The Indians succeeded in burning all but one of the cabins in this village. That final cabin was not burned because holed up inside where Captain Hutchinson and his men.

After several desperate attempts, finally, one man was able to slip through the Indian lines under cover of darkness. He then made his way to Providence, Rhode Island to raise the alarm. For three days the Indians attacked the cabin trying to break through the defenses. After each attempt, the bodies of these red Indians were left lying on the ground around the clearing.

Finally, on the evening of the third day, the besieged men within the fort heard the shouts of friends rushing to their rescue. Major Willard of Boston had been apprised of the situation and siege at Brookfield and with all possible haste rushed to the aid of those brave men, whose ammunition and endurance were all but spent.

We can all imagine the joy and thanksgiving within that small fort in the hearts of the defenders when the Indians were dispersed and driven back into the woods. So, we also were once held in bondage and sitting in the shadow of death. Now, you have been delivered from sin, death, and hell when you despaired of all help. You and I sat helpless and hopeless, unable to relieve our situation. Then our great Deliverer and Savior came.[1]

We praise the Lord that in spite of our sinful foolishness and pride, the Father sent Jesus for you anyway. Your Strength and your Deliverer has come. He has delivered you from the hopeless situation that you found yourself in even from birth. Our God has now raised up a horn of salvation. There it is again, did you hear it? Listen again.

‘[He] has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old’. (Vv. 69-70)

Did you hear it? That word, salvation.

Just as with the prophecies of Simeon and Isaiah, so also in the prophecy of Zechariah. Our Salvation has been raised up. He has been seen. Now though, the word horn is attached to this name of Jesus, Salvation. This is a good word. After all, “horn” carries with it the idea of strength. Jesus is most definitely strong to save. This also carries with it a sacrificial overtone. If you remember from the descriptions of the altar of the Old Testament, there were four horns on that altar. This then puts us in mind of that sacrificial element and thus is a pointing forward by Luke.

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke is pointing us forward to the end of the Gospel. We are already seeing the shadow of the cross falling over the manger in Bethlehem. At least as much as the prophets from of old spoke about the Messiah coming as a baby. These same prophets also point us to the cross. This is most notably seen in Isaiah with his great “Servant’s Song” (Is. 52-3).

‘That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us’. (V. 71)

You have been rescued from the hand of your enemies. You have now been rescued by Jesus’ sacrifice from the clutches of sin and death. You have also been delivered from the hand of those who hate you. This includes the devil and all his fallen angels (Small Catechism IV: Holy Baptism). As with those Massachusetts soldiers, you also rejoice with joy and thanksgiving. You are constantly rejoicing that your God’s mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:23).

We see this in the song we sing in the Sunday service found in tonight’s Psalm. ‘Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! … Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.’ (Ps. 51: 2, 12) This is our continual pray for forgiveness and our continual reason for rejoicing. We as Christians, you and me, we are all praying that our Savior will wash us clean and cover us with His saving grace. When you sin you pray the second part, that the joy of your heavenly Father’s salvation in Jesus will be restored.

You have been washed in the waters of baptism. You have been covered with Christ’s righteousness. When you sin, He does forgive all your sins. You have been rescued, you have been redeemed. You have been saved from your enemies and those who hate you. Amen, praise Jesus.

In Jesus'+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, pp. 178-79, entry #826.

Theology and Science

2009-12-08T06:00:00.003-06:00

To view this slideshow (scroll down and click on the link for "the Month in Space") is to realize what complexity is found in the few small words of the first article of the Apostles' Creed: "I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth" (Luther's Small Catechism (II: 1st). And the words of the Holy Spirit by the prophet Moses in Genesis: 'And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth." And it was so. And God made the two great lights--the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night--and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.' (Genesis 1:14-19) Not only does these images from space remind us how complex our world and universe really are, they also remind us what God really did by speaking a few small words! Finally, did anyone catch on that when God made the sun, the moon and the stars, these were three separate groups? 1. The greater light to rule the day--the sun. 2. The lesser light to rule the night--the moon. And 3. The stars. The sun is a separate creation from the stars.

Church to sell Stained Glass of St. John

2009-12-07T06:00:00.002-06:00

While I do not agree with all that is in this article, I do agree that it is a tragic and heart breaking thing to see this happen. I do think that considering the membership numbers my first thought is, they should simply close their doors. Then this church could use the sale of anything to further gospel work that is important to the church members. One that comes to mind would be homelessness.

Yet, as the pastor of three churches with similar numbers I understand why they are not doing that. I have seen two churches in this area close already and I could tell, closing your home church is like burying a family member. It involves a mourning process. It is not something that I could ever recommend someone do. I have a small bit of understanding for this Vermont church as they make such a decision.

Advent 2-St. Nicholas Day-Luke 3:1-6

2009-12-06T06:00:00.003-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A proverb given to us from the unbelieving Greeks insists, “The feet of the avenging deities are shod with wool!” A terrifying thought to contemplate. Who wants a vengeful god especially if you are an unbeliever, to sneak up on you like that! A truly terrifying judgement to be subject to.

However, the feet of your God are not thus shod. When Christ came to save us, there was no deceiving noiselessness in His approach. His coming was heralded with all the fanfare that a king of that era would arrive with[1].

‘The word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.’ (Vv. 2, 3)

Think about these words again, ‘the word of God came to John’. Remarkable once you think about it for a moment. What do we confess about Jesus? Well, first of all, we confess that He created all things and that He is in the entire universe sustaining it and causing all of its actions that take place. Second, we confess that Jesus came as a tiny baby, the first born child of the Virgin Mary.

These two things are not exclusive of each other. In other words, Jesus did not cease to be the creator and sustainer of the universe and all that is in this world simply because He became incarnate on Christmas Day.[2]

Even as Jesus' Spirit came and spoke His word to John, telling Him that it was time, He was also standing as the incarnate One, as part of the audience for John’s preaching of repentance. John really was a voice crying in the wilderness as Isaiah had foretold. He really was the one who would prepare the way for the coming of the King.

Even as John stood preaching what Jesus would preach, Jesus stood listening waiting for the proper time. He waited on His Father’s timing. As Luke tells us in his Gospel, John came proclaiming a baptism of repentance. As Mark tells us, Jesus came a short time later, proclaiming, ‘ “Repent! For the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!”’ (St. Mk. 1:14, 15) The very preaching of this forerunner really told the people whom to look for. It was in the wilderness that the gospel was first proclaimed. It is even now the same.

Even today, no matter the physical surroundings, the church still proclaims that gospel in a spiritual wilderness. It is in this way that the words of Isaiah bear fruit. ‘Sing, O barren one,’ and ‘break forth together into singing, you waste places’ (Is. 54:1; 52:9)[3]. Where the gospel is preached, fruit springs forth, even in the heart no man would expect.

‘‘“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight”’’ (V. 4).

In this way, the evangelist Luke shows us in what way John will prepare things for Jesus. John will prepare hearts to receive the Christ. John will prepare hearts to receive the gospel of forgiveness of sins. John is calling you and me to abandon those foolish notions that we have about the gospel. He is telling us to prepare for the Father’s promised Savior. Jesus did not come as any expected.

To use today's terminology, Jesus did not come as an alternate presidential candidate to run in opposition to that president with whom we disagree. Jesus did not come and provide a new law or amendment to protect this or that practice. Jesus came to bring what all humanity truly needs.

Jesus came to give you forgiveness that you cannot earn. He came to give me forgiveness that I cannot earn. Jesus came to give forgiveness to every man woman and child who had ever lived, was living then in the first century and will ever live. Jesus came so that He could repair the destroyed communion our first parents had with Him. Jesus came to give those who take Him at His word forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.

This is what the prophet meant when he proclaimed that the promised voice would make paths straight for the King.

‘‘“Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways”’’ (V. 5).

When Isaiah prophesied this, his hearers did not take this for colorful language. They did not take this as a picture of what would happen. Instead, they would have understood the words of the prophet literally. We have record of this happening. In 1845 when the Sultan visited Brusa, the inhabitants were called out to clear the roads of rocks and to fill up the hollows[4]. This would have been a very vivid example of this prophecy for those who first heard of such things at that time.

At the same time, a royal courier would go ahead to issue the call. So the Messiah does this same sort of thing. He sends his herald, John, before Him to prepare the way. Isaiah describes this triumphal march and John used it with great force.

This preparation is ongoing. John is still preparing the way of the Savior. He is preparing the way for all hearts who hear this message for the coming of the Messiah and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. John’s work as forerunner did not end simply because he was beheaded by Herod. No! John’s work continues even today and will not end until the Messiah comes again in great glory and judgement.

He will not come silently then either. Jesus will then come for all to see. Until then, wherever the gospel is preached, John is preparing hearts to receive the gospel of repentance and the forgiveness of sins.

‘‘“All flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”’’ (V. 6)

This puts you and I in mind of Simeon’s song, the Nunc Dimittis (LSB p. 165), that song we sing following our receiving of Christ’s body and blood in the Holy Communion. Luke’s first hearers also would have thought of this. In the case of John's first hearers, it would have been one of the many other Scripture texts, which show this to be truth. It is easy then to read this statement as “All flesh shall see the Christ of God”. It amounts to saying the same thing. If you have seen the Christ of God you have seen His salvation.

John was at this point preparing the way for the salvation of God to appear and make Himself known to all of John’s listeners. Soon, Jesus would step forth and preach a gospel of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Once more, here in Luke we see the salvation of God. We can again, depart in peace[6]. You have again seen that most needful thing, your forgiveness and salvation from sin death and the devil.

Praise God for His great mercy! ‘Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!’ (Ps. 80:3) Your sins are forgiven. Your salvation is sure.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, p. 184.
[2] NPNF 2nd Series, vol. 4 St. Athanasius On the Incarnation, section 17, p. 45.
[3] ACCS NT vol. III p. 59. Ambrose Exposition of the Gospel of Luke 2.67.
[4] Word Pictures of the New Testament, Robertson vol. II, p. 38.
[6] ACCS NT vol. III pp. 60-61. St. Augustine City of God 22.29.

De Incarnatione Verbi Dei--St. Athanasius

2009-12-04T21:42:00.005-06:00

Lately, I have been reading from St. Athanasius' work on the Incarnation of the Word. I try to do this every Advent. It is good preparation for Christmas and it tends to bear fruit in my sermon writing as we anticipate the coming of our Savior in the flesh. So, Athanasius writes for us about our Savior as He was in His body.

"Thus, even while present in a human body and Himself [Jesus] quickening it, He was, without inconsistancy, quickening the universe as well, and was in every process of nature, and was outside the whole, and while known from the body by His works, He was none the less manifest from the working of the universe as well."

In other words, Jesus was not limited while He was in the flesh. I always knew this, but the way the Saint puts it here, it shed new light on an old aspect of the incarnation. I am thankful that I regularly read this so that I can get all the meat and marrow from the bones of this
text.

Advent 1 Midweek-Simeon's Song-St. Luke 2:28-33

2009-12-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Psalm 19:14) Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

‘And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.’ (V. 33)

Those who are parents, have you ever been surprised at what another knows about your child? If someone says what wonderful things our child will do when he or she grows up, this pleases us. We are delighted to hear someone else say what we already were sure of.

Simeon goes beyond this for Mary and Joseph. They were pleased as punch as any two parents would be when someone else says wonderful things about their son. Even after eight short days, the two of them knew what the angel, Elizabeth, the shepherds and the rest had told them about this little boy. These two had been telling everyone what wonderful things their new son would do once he grew up.

The others, both family and friends, who heard this boasting probably, thought that Mary and Joseph were just like any other young couple. This, even if they were a bit too over the top with the praise they heaped on this little one. Understandably, these parents were a bit surprised when someone else spoke this way about their boy. After all, they probably had not done much sharing of Gabriel’s actual words.

‘“For my eyes have seen your salvation.”’ (V. 30)

We usually think of these words from Simeon’s perspective. Have you ever thought of this from your perspective, or our perspective? What does this statement of Simeon’s song have to do with you? After all, the Holy Spirit does not include things by accident or just for fun. There is always a purpose. What these words are getting at is that of submission. Yes, that is correct. We are all to submit to our God and Lord. Why?

Well, what has God done for you? Our heavenly Father sent Jesus, His Son, to take on flesh and be your Savior. That is, your salvation. So, we subject ourselves to God because of the gift He has given to each of us. As the Psalmist reminds you and I: ‘For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.’ (Psalm 61:3)

As He states, Jesus is from God. He is also Himself God. As your Savior, He supports you in your weakness. He corrects you in the disturbance of sin in your soul as you are tempted. That is, Jesus, God, has mercy on you in your weakness.[1]

‘“A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”’ (V. 32)

These words also speak of you and me. We are, after all, the Gentiles that Simeon speaks of here. These words relate you us a mystery that had been prepared for each of us from before the foundation of the world. It was not until these last dark ages of the world that our Father saw fit to manifest the mystery of the incarnation of His Son to all of us. Here at the end of time, in this sinful world, was Jesus made flesh.

Before we had come to know our Savior, we were captive in darkness and error. We had fallen under the yoke of the devil. His hand pressed down on us subjecting you and me in servitude to the creature rather than serving the Creator. It was to such created things as precious metals and domestic animals that we attached the honor due only to God (1st Commandment). In reality, serving and worshipping such created things is serving and worshipping the ancient dragon, the author of evil, and the throng of his demons.

It was only at the coming of Jesus in the incarnation of God that the Father gave us the true Light. The Son, through the blessed Evangelists, Matthew Mark Luke John and Paul, has lightened the whole world by the light of the Gospel and the true Light of Jesus, the Son. Now, you and I no longer serve created things but thankfully serve God who is our Salvation.[2] Mercy in Christ, the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life, is now yours.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] ACCS NT vol. III p. 49. St. Basil the Great Homily on Psalm 61.2.
[2] ACCS NT vol. III p. 50. St. Cyril of Alexandria Commentary on Luke, Homily 4.

Advent 1-St. Luke 21:25-36

2009-11-29T06:00:00.001-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Psalm 19:14) Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

‘“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.”’ (V. 34)

The United States Health Service recently issued a statement about worry. They concluded that worry has the power to weaken and shorten life. Part of this report reads as follows: “So far as is known, no bird ever tried to build more nests than its neighbor. No fox ever fretted because it had only one hole in which to hide. No squirrel ever died of anxiety, lest it should not lay by enough for two winters instead of one. No dog every lost any sleep over the fact that it had not enough bones laid aside for the declining years.”

Worry wreaks havoc for you and me. It makes us ineffective. We are unable to get done what we need to do. If we are weighed down by worry, we cannot get done what needs to be done for the long pull.[1]

To be weighed down by dissipation carries with it that idea of worry. It also carries the idea of the nausea that follows a debauch. If you have been out drinking and carousing, like it was in the days of Noah (Genesis 6), you are not able to watch and listen for the return of the King. So then, if you are not watching, the return of Jesus will come upon you like a “thief in the night” or “like an armed man” (2 Peter 3:10; Revalation 16:15, cf. Proverbs 6:11). Jesus is warning us not to be surprised because of failure as a watchman.

‘“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves”’ (V. 25)

Jesus’ first words in our lesson carry with them the same idea. We must be careful in our watching. There is a great roar of sound. It is like the waves of the sea. It is like a freight train passing close by. While the train passes, no one can speak. You can no longer hear anyone speaking or coming upon you. You may be surprised because of the din of sound. Our lives are the same. Throughout our lives the cares of this life are like the roar of that train. It might be commerce in general. It may be the stock market. It may be grain prices. Whatever the roar is, it has the power to distract us from our watching. If we are found giving attention to these distractions, we will be found wanting at the return of the King.

At this time of the end, many will fall away from religion. This will bring about a darkening unbelief, which will even cause bright faith to seem diminished!

At that time, at the end when Christ will return, the vices of the flesh will obstruct the heavenly light. We will no longer be able to see it, as we are generally able. In persecution, whether it may be physical, as we hear about our brothers and sisters in the faith as it happens to them around the world. In persecution, it may be mental, as generally happens for you and me, love of life alone is what shuts out the light of God. When this happens, this is when you allow the devil to have his way with you. When you forget to cling to Jesus, when you forget to care for your neighbor and not yourself, then, you shut out the light of God.[2]

‘“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”’ (V. 27-8)

So, rather than shutting out the light of God, do not let “your lamps go out,” do not keep “your loins ungirded,” but “be ready,” for “you do not know the hour when our Lord is coming.” (St. Matthew 24:42, 44; St. Luke 12:35) This will be the great and terrible day of the Lord. What will be the joy or rejoicing for you and me then in this day? Well, we are those who cling steadfastly to the words of Jesus. We trust that He is the One, the Curse[3] for us, as Galatians three speaks of (V. 13), who will come and rescue us out of our sins. Everlasting life is yours. In spite of the many around us who will in that day fall away and perish, the Holy Spirit has promised to be with us and create and sustain faith in each of us. That is your confidence.

When these signs begin to occur, lift up your head and pay attention. It is then that you will know that Christ is to return. We are forever with the Psalmist: ‘Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the king of glory may come in.’ (Psalm 24:9) Luke is here referring us to the lifting up of your soul. Jesus is then telling your soul to raise up your head and see your redemption drawing near.

Looking up, this is the final action of the Second Coming. This lifting up is a glorious hope for you and me. Even as you and I pray for those around us and those in our life, who do not yet believe, we look forward to this time with glorious hope. We rejoice that even if the coming of the King comes before we die we have the most glorious hope of all. For after all, at that time we will be made glorious. He will transform all things for the better. At this time, when you raise your head, you will be clothed with incorruption by the gift of God in Christ.[4]

‘And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”’ (Vv. 29-31)

Yes, a week or two back we heard a similar parable being told to us in Mark’s gospel. Yet, think again about this sentence. What happens for all of us when we begin to see the first leaf buds on the trees? Those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder likely would rejoice. After all, this is a disorder under which the sufferer is depressed through the winter months because of the lack of sunlight.

Even those of us who have no physical health needs which would cause us to be glad at the coming of spring or summer, even we will rejoice. All of us, no matter whether we enjoy the winter months or not, we are glad to finally see a sign telling us of the coming of summer. In the same way, we will rejoice when we see these things Jesus speaks of happening.

“Finally,” we say, “the end is in sight!” The sun will finally shine and there will be long lazy days where we can lie out in the sun at the lake again. There may not be fig trees here around us in Minnesota, but each of you knows the sign you look for.

In other words, the things we have been considering, that is, adversity and unbelief are signs that the consummation of the Kingdom of God is at hand. This is not like the beginning of the gospels. Then, Jesus came preaching ‘“Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.”’ (St. Mark 1:14-15) This is still the undercurrent of Jesus message. However, now, at the end of Jesus’ ministry, He is telling us that wars, famine, earthquakes and epidemics would arise in various places. This would occur to such an extent that many would fear new destructive agencies would come upon us. Jesus tells us that this will come so that you and I would not be gripped by this new fear. Jesus forewarned that adversity would increase in these last times.[5]

What else did your Savior tell you? He promised that you have been clothed with incorruption (1 Corinthians 15:55ff.). You have now already put on the white robe of Christ’s righteousness. Even in the midst of this adversity and unbelief, you and I, we who believe are made God’s righteousness in Christ. We already each of us, right this minute, possess all the gifts of everlasting life. We are already clothed in Christ’s righteousness even in the midst of all the terror and dreadful human suffering.

In the middle of all of this, you and I are blind Bartimaeus. We are the beggar sitting by the side of the road as our Savior passes us by crying aloud, ‘“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”’ (St. Mark 10:47) Jesus will. Jesus has.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, pp. 213-4 entry #1008.
[2] Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture New Testament volume III p. 322. St. Ambrose Exposition of the Gospel of Luke 10.36-37.
[3] Ibid, pp. 323-4. The Didache 16.1-7.
[4] Ibid, p. 324. St. Cyril of Alexandria Commentary on Luke, Homily 139.
[5] ACCS NT vol. III p. 325. Cyprian On Mortality 2.

+Funeral Sermon for Marion S.-St. John 3:1-18+

2009-11-28T23:11:00.003-06:00

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Psalm 19:14) Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.’ (V. 16)

This was Marion’s faith. She trusted her Savior, that He had come to rescue her from her sins. This is your faith. You also, as a Christian, trust your Savior. You trust that He has come to rescue you, just as he did for her.

The only difference is, you and I reside still in this vale of tears. Marion has gone on to the blessed halls of heaven.

During her married life, Marion was a homemaker. She enjoyed the tasks that come with such a position. Marion enjoyed caring for her family. This meant for her the work of cooking and keeping the household up and running. This also involved her caring for three boys. Marion expressed her faith to all three of these boys by bringing them to church and Sunday school. She also brought her children to confirmation class that they would learn the faith, growing to be strong men of faith.

Marion raised her boys in this fashion, with her husband, that they would continue their family’s tradition of continuing in the faith of their fathers, by passing that faith on to their own children. Marion also did this by sharing her faith in her later years with the rest of the family. Marion was as well thankful for the loving care she received, as she grew older.

Because of the trust that Marion had in her beloved Savior, she was able to enjoy her life. She was not a victim of worry over all things. She was not held captive by the devil with her sins hanging over her. She could tell the devil if he tried to so torment her, “No devil, I do not belong to you. I now belong to the living God of heaven, I have been redeemed by Jesus Christ!” Marion was free. She was free to live her life free from fear. Marion was free to listen to do mundane things such as listen to the radio or play cards with her friends and family or read an enjoyable Western book.

So also are you and I. We are also free. We also have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. We can say the same thing to any devil that tries to torment us with guilt over our sins. The name of the living God of heaven has been written one each of us who trust on the mercy of God because of Christ.

So, even as we mourn that we no longer have Marion with us any longer, we also rejoice. We rejoice because she no longer suffers. We rejoice because we will see her again. When we who trust on the mercy of God through Jesus die, we will join her before the throne of God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ. We will then forever rejoice at the greatest thanksgiving feast, singing hymns of praise to our God.

‘The steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children’ (Ps. 103:17).

Marion trusted in the Savior who was lifted up on a cross. He has been lifted up to be a sign to all of us that we may look and be saved. Jesus is a sign for Marion and for you and me. He was lifted up to pay the price of death (Rom. 3) we should have to pay. Without faith given to us by the Holy Spirit (SC II: 3rd), we do pay that price. Praise the Lord, that like Marion, we will not have to pay that price. We are not condemned. We trust in the ‘his only Son … [so we] have eternal life.’ (V. 16)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

Thanksgiving Eve/Day-Philippians 4:6-20

2009-11-25T06:00:00.002-06:00

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.’ (V. 6)

What is it that Paul means to tell us here? Well, as we know, we are to have that peace which passes all understanding, as the next verse tells us. We are not to worry. But you do worry don’t you. There are perhaps not a few of us who are worried that the Thanksgiving dinner will not go as planned. Whether it is the behavior of the guests or how the food will turn out, it often does not even matter how many times our house has been the place.

Any one of us could have hosted Thanksgiving dinner for decades. Yet, each year, we are right there with Martha. You are ‘bothered by many things’ (St. Luke 10:41). That is, you are anxious or of a “divided mind”. We are this way perhaps for a variety of reasons. This may be true in spite of knowing what Peter writes for our comfort: ‘All your worry cast on him, seeing that he is taking care of you’ (Ep. 1, 5:7).

What St. Paul tells us here is complex, yet it bears upon us this fall, as always. We, as we usually do, need to know this again and again.

Paul is telling you and me not only to give thanks when things go well. He is also stating that we are to give thanks even when life is not going our way. Even when the circumstances of our life are those which seem to us to be the most grievous. This is above all when we do not shrink from petitioning our heavenly Father. Even when God does not appear to be listening or answering our prayer, we continue to petition. We let the actual things asked for, ever and ever made known to God.

After all, in what better hands can any trouble of ours rest than in God’s hands? These words of Paul not only tell us to continually petition our God in our need, they also contain for you and me the assurance that in spite of appearances, God will attend to your need, to whatever we ask.

Through your faith in Christ Jesus this prayer and petition of yours will naturally be accompanied by thanksgiving or “eucharistias”. As Christians, our thankful heart is thus a joyful heart. We are always asking God for more. Without thankfulness for what God has already given to us and done for us, how then can you or I do ask? Thanksgiving comes from a heart that has a strong affection for God.[1]

‘Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.’ (Vv. 11-13)

It is in these verses here that the Apostle helps we his hearers to understand the words about thankfulness in all circumstances. In these words it is clear that what Paul is saying about himself has not always been the case. He has not always been content in all circumstance. Paul has learned as you also do in your Christian life, that the Lord is always at hand.

This praying in every circumstance, that is in success and failure, for good fortune and during bad fortune, we thank God for all of this because our God will care for us no matter what comes our way. We give thanks in all these things, even when God does not seem to be paying attention and when life goes poorly, we always give thanks because of what we have been blessed with in the past. Knowing this, we can continue to thank God for what we will receive in the future.[2] ‘Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, … O you who hears prayer, to you shall all flesh come. When iniquities prevail against me’ (Ps. 65:1-3).

We rejoice in all these things. When our efforts fail, when we experience bad fortune in our daily life or occupation knowing that God still cares for us. He has promised us this. Our Father has promised never to leave us even at the worst times of our lives (Heb. 13:5, 6). This thankfulness in everything, not for everything, but in everything, is possible because of your faith in Jesus. This is for the forgiveness of your sins, salvation from sin death and the devil and everlasting life, which is yours now through Baptism (SC IV). This is what marks you and me and each Christian as those who are truly thankful.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Commentary on the New Testament, Lenski Hendrikson, pp. 877-8.
[2] NPNF 1st 13:246-249; see also, ACCS NT vol. VIII St. John Chrysostom Homily on Philippians 15.4.4.7 p. 282.

In Memoriam

2009-11-22T13:46:00.004-06:00

Today is the death date for that mid-twentieth century apologist for the Christian faith, C.S. Lewis. Though Lewis is probably more well known for his fantasy series, the Chronicles of Narnia, which includes "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". Those of us who grew up in the U.S.A. are more aware of the famous death of John F. Kennedy which also occurred on this date. An even less famous death which also occurred on this date, all in 1963, is Aldus Huxley. Huxley was a social commentator and believed in oriental pantheism. He also wrote the book, "A Brave New World".

A fascinating book imagining what these three men might say to each other if they had a round table discussion after death.

Lutheranism by county-(U.S.A.)

2009-11-21T13:46:00.003-06:00

For all you readers out there, you might find this interesting. This is a map of the U.S. that goes county by county telling where the Lutherans are. As you can tell, for some mad reason, we all settled in the barren, frozen tundra up here in Minnesota and the Dakotas.

You will note however that this map does not distinguish between the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) or the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations in this country. This map does not include any smaller church bodies that do exist in this country. Though, it is interesting because regardless of the Lutheran group, the big four are primarily centered in the upper midwest.

The Last Sunday of the Church Year-St. Mark 13:32-37

2009-11-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

‘“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.’ (Vv. 32, 33)

Do you all remember the tale of Chicken Little? The most memorable line from that story is the chicken crying to all he met: “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” Well, what actually happened? A piece of the ceiling had fallen and landed on his head. So, instead of looking at the evidence around him, he went off on a fool’s errand saying that the sky is falling.

Did anyone believe Chicken Little? No. No one took him at his word.

If we are paying attention, we hear such proclamation all the time. Some group or other regularly declares that the end of the world is at hand. Lately, it has been a fascination that some media have had with the date 2012. The story goes that this is when the Mayan calendar ends and so it must be the end of the world. Well, if an actual Mayan is consulted, we find out that the end of the world has nothing to do with the prophecy of theirs taken out of its context.

And, for the past century or more, each of us can probably think of multiple examples of the same thing. Some group, usually religious, going around essentially doing as Chicken Little did. They tell all the rest of us that the sky is falling. Well, the appointed end date comes and goes with nothing happening and we all move on.

Yet, we remain awake. We do not fall in with such crowds; we are on our guard against such things, as Jesus warns us here. We know that if the angels in heaven and even the Son are not privy to when the end will come and the Son, Jesus, will return, then none of us humans here on earth are going to figure such things out either.

In fact, we as Christians have no need. As I stated last week, the end will be a terrible time. You and I will certainly be able to state just such a thing if we remain alive to see it occur. Yet, for us as Christians, this is not all there is. We are also comforted by this event Jesus is teaching us about because then our current tribulation will come to an end. We know that from Jesus’ own words.

‘“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.’ (Vv. 32, 33)

We in our human-ness do not need to know. It is as is said in the military some times, “This is on a need to know basis and you do not need to know”. You and I are on a need to know basis when it comes to such things as the end of the age and the return of the King. We do not need to know. This knowledge is not helpful for us. This does not serve to increase faith among the faithful. This is a reason we are told what we are told in the revelation of our God in the Scriptures. We are given the knowledge we need in order that we might be rescued out of our sinfulness, granted forgiveness of sins and everlasting life in heaven. This is why the Bible reveals what it reveals and not other things we would like to know.

Those who claim to know when Jesus will return grab for themselves knowledge that is not given for them to know. This is what the holy writers mean when they say such things as ‘The Lord your God tries you that he may know’, that is, that you may be known in your blessing of faith. (Deut. 13:3)

So, in this way, you and I make ourselves ready spiritually on a daily basis. We begin our day as the Catechism teaches, with the Creed and Lord’s Prayer, we follow a series of daily devotions, and we confess our sins in our prayers or in the general confession as we did to begin today’s service. This is what Jesus means by stating, “Be ready!” here. He is telling you to be spiritually ready. After all, we all generally are asleep for the four watches of the night mentioned in these verses.

‘It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock crows, or in the morning.’ (V. 34, 35)

You do not know the day or hour of your Savior’s return, but you do not need to. You daily make yourself ready as the doorkeeper of Jesus’ parable; you daily confess your sins.

We are left in ignorance because it is better for the strengthening of our faith. This is so because if you or I or any other knew the day and hour of Jesus’ return would we really remain vigilant? No. We likely would not remain in our faith. After all, why would we then need to, if we knew when Jesus was coming then we could simply repent fast before he returned. So goes such faulty logic.

The reality is, there is no such cheap grace on offer. True, there are deathbed conversions. This is not due to the dying remaining an unbeliever with the intent of repenting at the end. Instead, such conversions occur when there is genuine repentance and a faith in the mercy of God through Jesus.

We would all, in our in born sinfulness, fall victim to such thinking if we knew the return of our Savior. We would go about, eating, drinking, and being merry (Genesis 6). Tomorrow would in this case be sufficient for repentance. As it is, we do not know when Jesus will return so we are forced to remain vigilant. We are forced to remain awake and alert. It was the same with the doorkeeper. He did not know when his master would return so it was necessary for him to remain steadfastly alert.

‘“Away,” he cries, “with dull repose,
The sleep of death and sinful sloth;
With hearts now sober, just and pure,
Keep watch, for I am very near.”’[1]

With the hymn, we pray that our heavenly Father will send His Holy Spirit to keep us in the true faith unto life everlasting. After all, if we are not watching, if we are not praying; then our former good deeds will not matter. They then will be useless to us for we will have gone astray from the true faith. Jesus is using this parable to guide us to the proper path.

Jesus is teaching you and me and each of us as Christians, that we remain ever vigilant strong in the faith. We are looking for the return of our King. We are looking for Jesus to come for us on the clouds with great glory. As St. Jude tells us: ‘But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.’ (St. Jude 20-21) I encourage you to take this small book as homework for the week. Go home and read Jude’s twenty-five verses; they are very encouraging and very timely still for our own age.

The message of Jude is the same as Jesus: Stay awake!

After all, when Jesus returns it will be too late. When Jesus came the first time, it was in obscurity, as we will soon hear once again. When He comes this final time the entire world will see. Those who are His servants, that is the ones who saw Him at His first advent. At the second terrifying advent, all will see. Those who believe, we who are Jesus’ servants, but also those who have not believed, the good and the bad, we will all see Jesus come again on the clouds.

When Jesus came in obscurity, He came to be judged. As such, He was silent at His trial. He will not be silent when He returns. He will then come to judge. ‘They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.’ (Ps. 14:3) With the words of the Psalmist ringing in our ears, if there is any who will listen, Jesus is not silent.

Praise the Lord that this coming of our King will not be only terrifying for you and me. We are those who, in Christ, keep the Law of the Lord. We are those servants who have heard. We are blind Bartimaeus. We are those crying out, ‘“Lord, have mercy upon me!”’ (St. Mk. 10:47) Praise the Lord that the return of our King is a longed for event among us here.

So, we do as Jesus teaches us, ‘"And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”’ (V. 37) In the faith given by the Holy Spirit, you do remain awake. (SC II: 3rd)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] ACCS NT vol. II p. 196. Prudentius A Hymn for Cock-Crow.

News from the ELCA

2009-11-19T23:09:00.004-06:00

The ELCA is beginning to lose congregations. To read more, see Dr. Veith's good post on this subject and the accompanying comments. We all need to continue to pray for our brothers and sisters within this and other erring church bodies. They need Jesus' healing, forgiving power now more than ever.

Whiskey on the rocks for 100 years!

2009-11-16T13:47:00.002-06:00

I do enjoy a glass of whiskey now and then, but this is hilarious. I hope they get a sample to restart the brand.

Second-Last Sunday in the Church Year-St. Mark 13:24-31

2009-11-15T06:00:00.002-06:00

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

‘“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch become tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.”’ (V. 28)

This passage is stated by Jesus at the end of His ministry, back in chapter 11 Jesus had cursed the fig tree. The following day, the disciples saw that it had in fact withered. So, do any of us know when a fig tree should be producing ripe fruit? We do not have any which will grow in our area.

However, they do grow in Southern California. When I visited my now deceased Grandpa and Grandma, my uncle pointed out to Rachel and myself that we could eat some figs that we passed growing on a tree. We visited them that time in August of 2004. So, when the branch is tender and if a tree is putting out the first leaves then it must be the beginning of the growing season, summer.

We do not have fig trees. Yet, we all know the signs we look for to know that summer is near. We do the same thing as Jesus’ listeners. Some today may look for Punxutawney Phil in Pennsylvania. Some may read the latest Farmer’s Almanac. Others, perhaps the some from the first two groups, look for the trees to bud or this or that animal or bird to return. Some may even watch for the farmers to be out planting. Whatever our signals, we all have them.

What Jesus is telling you and me is this. If you can predict when the next season will begin, then you can also read the signs I am telling you now for the end of time.

‘“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.’ (Vv. 24, 25)

In this chapter of Mark’s Gospel, it is difficult to separate what is going on at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A. D. and what will occur at the end of the universe. It is clear though that today’s gospel lesson speaks about the end of all things.

When we hear of such things as the darkened sun or a moon that will not give its light. These things did not happen when the temple was destroyed in the first century. What will happen when Christ returns, this is not something that you or I can comprehend. Even with the advent of nuclear weapons, we still have no idea. The rest of Scripture reminds us of this. ‘The heavens will disappear with a roar’ (2 Pt. 3:10), ‘and the sky [will be] rolled up like a scroll’ (Is. 34:4). Isaiah’s prophecy is one of those descriptions that we can all wrap our minds around. Yet, even this is only the Holy Spirit giving us an idea using terms we understand to describe the incomprehensible.

If any of you have ever pulled a rolled up sheet of paper out of the closet after a year sitting there in the dark with a rubber band for structure, you know what Isaiah means. If not, try it when you get home! When I try to unroll such a thing, if my hand slips the whole roll of paper comes slapping against my other hand with a loud rumble of paper.

This is what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us when Isaiah writes his words.

All of this terror that Jesus is describing for you and me is for we who can only imagine our own world here on earth. Christ will devastate the universe—and this is all because of sin. This is why we repeatedly hear in the Gospels that creation groans. Creation groans as it does because of the burden of sin. All of this is because of that fateful action in the Garden. That choice of Adam and Eve twisted the entire creation, beyond repair. This world must be destroyed and replaced with a new heaven and a new earth.

‘“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.”’ (Vv. 26, 27)

This is what the prophet Daniel is referring to in our Old Testament lesson when he wrote. ‘As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; … the court sat in judgement, and the books were opened.’ (Dan. 7:9-10) With the fiery throne of the Ancient of Days and the limitless crowds gathered around, this scene painted for us by Daniel presents a terrible picture of the judgement. It seems as if we should view all of this that Jesus tells us and that the prophets and Apostles tell us seems as if it should be read as terrifying.

This is not the case however.

For you and I, those who are baptized, those who are redeemed and made sons of God (Gal. 4:4-7), this is not a terrible thing to hear about. This is not something we fear, rather, it is something that we welcome. We even look for it and long for it to come. After all, at that time our present tribulation will end and we will become like those spoken of in the gradual. ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’ (Rev. 7:14).

Just as Jesus preaches of clouds to judge the quick and the dead (cf. Acts 10:42; 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Pt. 4:5) in the Gospels. So, at the end, at Jesus’ Second Coming, you who have not resisted His first coming, you will not tremble at His second. You will in fact rejoice that your King has returned to take you home to be with Him.

This whole cataclysmic event will be greater than anything we have seen done in Hollywood will. We all know the drama and theatrics and special effects employed in that classic movie, The Ten Commandments. What will happen when Jesus returns will put even the best modern movie’s special effects to shame. Christ will visibly appear in the clouds shown to all from all four corners of the world. All who have pierced Jesus will even see this (Rev. 1:7).

At this time, all the elect will be gathered from the four winds and ‘the books will be opened’ (Dan. 7:10). Many will claim that they loved the Lord and even spoke in His name (St. Mt. 25:41-46). These will be ones who have been hugging that small tattered robe of the little righteousness that they feel they can claim for themselves. These think that they will be in those books if only they have “done their best”. “If I have done this”, they say, “then I will get what I deserve”. Those who believe this way are correct. They will get what they deserve. This will be learned in all its unpleasantness when Christ returns.

Others will say to themselves at Jesus’ return, “This man cannot be the one we rejected. We rejected a baby born in a stable, a carpenter who had delusions of grandeur, a prophet who let things get out of control and died.” Still others will say, “This one was only a great teacher like Moses or Mohammed. But this…” For all of these groups, the words will ring hollow in their ears even as they speak them on that day.

Finally, those who rejected the Christ will learn of their mistake when it is too late. They will have been given a chance to receive the forgiveness given by Jesus’ death on the cross and sacrifice for all men’s sins. For this baby born in a stable in Bethlehem, rejected by all men and crucified for their sins is the ‘founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb. 12:2)

‘“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch become tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.”’ (V. 28)

What happens when summer arrives? Summer is the beginning of the ingathering of the fruits of the harvest. By August, when those figs that Rachel and I tasted in California where ripe, many different fruits are coming ripe. So, summer in Jesus’ words signifies the end of the world[1]. When we see the sky rolled up like a scroll and disappearing with a clap! (Cf. 2 Pt. 3:10; Is. 34:4)

When this happens, rejoice! For you will know that your Savior has returned, He has come to take you home where you ‘shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever’ (Ps. 23:6)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] ACCS NT vol. II p. 189. Hippolytus, On Matthew.

Men's Cancer Awareness

2009-11-14T19:50:00.003-06:00

For any men who read this blog. Or, alternatively, for those women who read this. If you are a man or you have any men in your life, remind them to have their prostate exams. Obviously, if the man is not old enough this is a reminder to do as the doctor advises and not wait.

If you go here, you can find more information.

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T10:02:00.004-06:00

A blessed Armistice Day to you all!

That was the original name for this day ending WWI on the 11th month, 11th day, and the 11th hour. I would like to thank my maternal grandfather, who served in China and India during WWII and also my great uncles who also served, at least one who died. Also, thank you to my wife's paternal grandfather who served on a warship, in the pacific I believe, during WWII. Finally, thank you to all the men and women who are currently serving in Iraq and those who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Including three of the children of my parishioners and the son of the LCMS pastor in the neighboring town.

Thank you veteran's one and all.

Two prayers, one for those who serve and one for those who minister to the soldiers in our armed forces:

'O Lord God of hosts, stretch forth Your mighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve in the armed forces of our country. Support them in times of war, and in times of peace keep them from all evil, giving them courage and loyalty and granting that in all things they may serve honestly and without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'

'O Lord, almighty God, as You have always granted singular gifts of the Holy Spirit to Your Church on earth, grant Your special blessing, we pray, to all who minister in Your name in the armed forces that by Your gracious working they may honor Christ and advance the good of those committed to their care; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.' (Lutheran Worship, 1982 p. 130)

By God's grace, may all our service men and women be granted courage in and after the fire.

At Home in the House of My Fathers

2009-11-11T06:00:00.003-06:00

I have been reading a wonderful book put out by the Rev. Matthew Harrison. (Lutheran World Relief and Human Care head) He has been, in I assume his spare time, translating and editing the writings of the first five LCMS Synod presidents. This is a wonderful resource for all who are Lutheran whether Missouri Synod or otherwise. I would even go so far as to state that this is a good resource for any Christian. These men were so well versed in Scripture that the gems are too numerous to count. They are not even buried, they are simply there on the surface for anyone to pick up and treasure.

In this book there are words of comfort for those suffering from depression, the first two (Walther and Wyneken) both suffered from bouts of depression during their lives and they both speak to this. Others discuss the lonliness of rural pastors and the mission call of the church (Pfotenhauer) or the response of the church to moral issues including the temperance movement (Schwan). The final pastor of this book gives recommendation to read and study Luther daily (Pieper). And yes, these men were all pastors of individual churches. At least with Walther and Wyneken even while they served as the Synod's president.

As I stated before, I cannot thank Pastor Harrison enough for providing this treasure to the church. I have only read a handful of the texts in this book and this has already become very obvious. This book is a treasure. If you can, you should read it. If not, go to Pastor Harrison's blog (linked above) and he will have a couple of videos of him reading different passages.

Facinating!

2009-11-09T20:10:00.002-06:00

I just read this facinating news story about the Persian Empire. It always amazes me what the ancients did to decorate their temples and the massiveness of their armies.

Psalm 147

2009-11-09T19:40:00.004-06:00

Well, this passage to be exact.

'Praise the LORD! ... He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.' (Vv. 1, 4) It struck me, while I was reading from my TDP this morning what a truly wonderful God is the Christian God. How unfathomably amazing our God is! I over and over continue to uncover gems like this. Why is it surprising to anyone that, if the God of the universe, the Alpha and Omega, God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, when He will take the time to name each star, He will also take the time to care for each and every one of us. Why is it amazing that God will deign to rescue us from our sinfulness. And yet it is, precisely because of of who God is. It is precisely because He cares so deeply for such small things.

Not one of us is to small and insignificant for Jesus to take the time for. He cares for all of us. Even the forgotten ones.

November 8-St. Mark 10:46-52

2009-11-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

‘And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.’ (V. 46)

A poet and an artist stood examining a great panting. It was a painting that depicted this scene. The crowds, Jesus, the blind men sitting at the side of the road calling for pity, mercy. To the poet all was perfect—the form of Christ, the grouping of individuals, the expressions on the faces of the lead characters in this brief account.

The artist saw things differently. He saw the scene with different eyes. “Do you see the discarded cane laying there? When the blind man heard of Christ, he was so sure of being healed that he let his cane lie there. He firmly believed that he would need it no longer.” To the artist it was as if the blind man could already see Jesus as he hastened to the Savior to be healed.

This is the confidence you and I have now. This is our faith. So often though, we cling to our crutches or canes or other means instead of coming directly to our Savior and helper.[1]

‘Blind man sit by the road and he cried.
Blind man sit by the road and he cried.
Blind man sit by the road and he cried.’ (camp song)

This is the refrain I heard in a camp song all while I was growing up. The blind man referred to here is the one from our passage. This was a common sight. Many, many men sat by the road looking for assistance for themselves in their blindness. A hundred years ago or so, a man walked the streets in the vicinity of Jericho and counted all the men who were blind or had defective eyes. It amounted to fully half the male population![2] So, Bartimaeus was not an odd thing for the travelers to see as they walked the Jericho road.

In fact, Bartimaeus like we often joke that we have our own marked pew, this blind beggar had his reserved seat along the road. During the years of his blindness, Bartimaeus may have worked his way up to holding one of the better spots for getting peoples attention.

What is it that Bartimaeus called out when he heard whom it was that was approaching? He cried out with a refrain that is very familiar for all of us. After all, this blind man cried: ‘“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”’ (V. 47) What part of our liturgy does this remind you of? The Kyrie: Lord, have mercy! We even take the words of the Kyrie from this very passage. We cry out to our Savior with the words of blind Bartimaeus.

Bartimaeus called out in anticipation of what he wanted Jesus to do. We cry out with the same words crying for mercy but also rejoicing that the words we say have been fulfilled for you already in Jesus.

How are these words received by all of us? Well, with rejoicing. We cry out for mercy for ourselves, that we would receive forgiveness of our sins. We are rejoicing even as we cry for mercy from our gracious God because we know that He has had mercy upon us. How were the cries of Bartimaeus received?

The crowd tried to muzzle this upstart. They did not want him to bother the great Teacher. These people did not think that this lowly beggar was worth Jesus’ time. ‘And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”’ (V. 48)

We might think that if we were so treated, we would not cry for help any more. It would be easy to become discouraged in the face of such treatment. How do these blind men, as Saint Matthew reminds us (20:29-34), react? Instead of being discouraged and going back to begging, they cry out all the louder and more insistently. ‘“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”’

In bold faith those who sat at the side of the road called out to this great teacher. As they may have heard, this was thought to be the long-awaited Messiah. They knew from Isaiah’s prophecy (ch. 61) that among other things, the Messiah would restore the sight of the blind. So, Bartimaeus and his companions cried out in faith to this man who passed by in the sure hope of healing. There’s was a confident faith, as we see in their call to Jesus.

We too are so bold. We also cry out in faith for mercy knowing our Savior will heal us.

‘And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him,” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.”’ (V. 49)

The persistent prayer of this blind man was rewarded. The insistent faith, which cried out to be heard as the God-Man walked by, paid off. Jesus stopped by and beckoned for he who called for help to come near. Now the response of the crowds changed. They are hopeful. They may have told the blind man to be quiet because they did not dare to hope for him. Now, Bartimaeus is being called forward!

The words used here by Mark are all in very vivid language. You can almost see the blind man calling to Jesus, being called forward by the Teacher and then encouraged by the crowd nearest to Bartimaeus. They are saying, “rejoice! rejoice! Your plea for help has been heard. Hurry before it is too late.” The mood of the crowd turns on a dime. The change with the words of Jesus is immediate. Now they hope. Now they encourage the blind in his insistence.

We see in this insistence and the following encouragement being commended to you and me. We are encouraged to be just as bold in our prayers. Bartimaeus’ insistence is your insistence. His confident faith is yours. When life is going well for you. Your job is enjoyable, the crops are coming in with comfortable yields, rejoice that you have been blessed by our heavenly Father.

When life is in the dumps and nothing seems to be going your way. When your job is at its most miserable, or worse, there is no job, when the crops are not coming or cannot be brought in—rejoice. Rejoice for your heavenly Father has redeemed you. He will not let you go and He will never stop providing for you. Even at those times when you and I cannot see how our providing and redeeming God will do this.

Even at the lowest times of our lives in this sinful world, yet our faithful God is caring for each and every one of us. We are redeemed through the work of Jesus, we are now made God’s sons through adoption (Gal. 4:4-7).

It is at the best of times and even at the worst of times that our persistent prayers pay off. ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come from? My helps comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. … The Lord will keep you from all evil. He will keep your life’ (Ps. 121:1, 2, 7). We are encouraged when God turns His face to us. This encouragement comes in the most vivid of tones: “Cheer up! On your feet!” None of us are too insignificant for Jesus to notice and help.

‘And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”’ (V. 50-51)

This outer robe that Mark mentions here was probably the only thing this man owned and it would have served as his bedclothes when he lay down in his appointed spot to sleep at night. This was all that kept this man warm, such as it was, on many a cold night. As I said, this and any cane Bartimaeus may have had were forgotten in his joy to run to the Savior. He heard the words of Jesus and ran toward the sound when he was called forth! He could see his Savior waiting to heal him. Bartimaeus had eyes to see!

Because of this reaction, the people may not have realized that the man was blind. So, Jesus words were as much for their benefit as to ask Bartimaeus. Often Jesus works with us this way as well. He wants us to come to Him with our petitions. He wants us to cry out for help, even though He already knows what we need. Our God wants us to acknowledge what we often forget in our sinfulness. That all we are and have comes from Him.

Jesus does the same thing with Bartimaeus as He did earlier when He taught His disciples how to pray. ‘Give us this day our daily bread’ (St. Mt. 6:9-13) God does this even without our prayer, yet we pray in this petition that we will recognize this also. Bartimaeus, with the crowd, was being led to receive the things they need from the Father with thanksgiving. So we rejoice in this day which the Lord has made (see Ps. 118:24); for we know ‘the LORD knows the way of the righteous’ (Ps. 1:6).

We rejoice in all things because we know above all else, we are redeemed. We are forgiven, washed clean by the blood of Jesus (see Rev. 7:14).

‘When man’s help and affection
Shall unavailing prove,
God grants me His protection
And shows His power and love.
He helps in every need,
From sin and shame redeems me,
From chains and bonds reclaims me,
Yea, even from death I’m freed.’ (TLH 393:2)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH. Entry #325 p. 76.
[2] Word Pictures in the New Testament, Robertson vol. 1, p. 356.

Substitute Fish Sauce

2009-11-07T15:30:00.003-06:00

If you are trying to make Southeast Asian food and need a homemade fish sauce. I might need that. Here is a recipe that will give you the sauce you need when there is no way to make it to an Asian market.

Thai Fish Sauce

1 can (2 ounces) anchovies, drained (if you do not want too much salt, soak the anchovies in a water (or milk) bath before you use them. That will leach out excess salt.)
2 cloves garlic, lightly bruised (smash it with the flat of your knife) and peeled
1/2 teaspoon (packed) dark or light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups water

1. Place all the ingredients in a small heavy saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes without stirring.

2. Remove from the heat, cool slightly, then strain through a double layer of cheesecloth. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Makes about 3/4 cup

Obviously, this recipe is for a special occasion, perhaps even less than once a year. It is like the recipe I posted yesterday, it is a treat.

Fish sauce though is pungent, slightly salty, and sweet. This is an essential ingredient in any Southeastern Asian cuisine. It is often available in Asian markets and specialty food stores. Though it is not always possible to get a bottle that way.

Vietnamese Cooking Class

2009-11-06T19:17:00.005-06:00

Last night, Thursday, I went to a local class taught by the High School Home Economics teacher. She taught us how to cook a Vietnamese menu. Vietnamese cooking uses a range of fresh produce. Such distinctive ingredients as are used sets it apart from other Asian cuisines. Such cooking as this, as with much Asian cooking, is a simple and healthy way to eat. However, for our area this is a special occasion menu as all the recipes include specialty items best purchased at an Asian market.

Our menu included: a Saigon Pancake (Bahn Xeo), Rice Paper Rolls (Goi Cuon), Rice Noodles with Stir Fried Beef in Chili and Lemongrass (Bun Bo Xao), a classic Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Mam Cham), and a Table Salad (Sa Lach Dia). There were five other students there, we all had a lot of fun cooking and talking. It was fun to get out and learn something new.

Once we were all done, then we sat down to a nicely set table and enjoyed trying our new creations. Everything was very good, especially the Saigon Pancake. I am not just saying that because I made that recipe, everyone at the table agreed that this was the best of the menu. Most of the students also took leftovers of this dish home with them. This surprised our teacher, she had included kind of on a lark. She thought it seemed more difficult and just was generally not sure about how it would go. The best part of this, the teacher made copies of all the recipes used for each student to take home.

This surprised me, I thought it was not that difficult of a recipe. The directions were not the best but it only took time to finish it.

Saigon Pancake recipe

Serves 4

200 grams (g) Rice flour (we used regular wheat flour)
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
250 milliliters (ml) water
1/2 teaspoon salt
150 ml Coconut milk
1 tablespoon Spring onions, finely chopped (we used green onions)
2 tablespoons cooking oil
200 g (1/2 lb approximately) lean pork, thinly sliced
200 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced
100 g bean sprouts
100 g split green beans, soaked and steamed until soft
10 sheets Vietnamese rice paper, sprinkled with hot water to soften

Garnish:
2 tablespoons mixed fish sauce
1 lettuce leaf
4 mint leaves
1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced
Pickled carrot and radish, to serve (optional)

Directions:

--In a large mixing bowl, blend rice flour and turmeric powder with water, then add salt, coconut milk and spring onion. Mix well into a batter.

--In a large frying pan (skillet), heat cooking oil over medium heat until very hot. Add pork, shrimp and onion. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until meat is lightly cooked.

--Stir batter well and scoop into pan. Add bean sprouts and green beans.

--Cover for 5 minutes until pancake is crisp. Fold pancake into half and combine to cook for another 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

--Serve pancake with mixed fish sauce for dipping and rice paper, lettuce, mint leaves, cucumber and pickled carrot and radish on the side (this means each of the condiments are arranged like a relish tray and you add them at the table.).

--To assemble, place a sheet of rice paper on a plate and top with a small piece of pancake and some garnishing ingredients. Wrap and dip into mixed fish sauce before eating.

These ingredients are all surprisingly available. The only things that for our rural area that would require an Asian grocery would be the rice papers, fish sauce and the pickles that are an optional garnish.

All Saint's Day

2009-11-01T06:00:00.001-06:00

Today is the day in the church year when much of Christendom commemorates those who have fallen asleep in Jesus (1 Thess. 4:13-18) in the past year as well as those for whom we still mourn even after years. This was the festival upon which Dr. Martin Luther's 95 Thesis' were first read. After all, he nailed them to the church door in Wittenburg on the eve of this festival. We now have commemorated that event with a festival of its own. We call it, Reformation Day. On that day, we celebrate that God, through His servant Martin Luther, gave His church back the pure unadultarated gospel of free salvation for all mankind (Rom. 3:19-28).

So today, it is fitting that we now remember those who sleep in Jesus. 'These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb' (Rev. 7:14).

All Saint's Day-Isaiah 26

2009-10-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

‘You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.’ (V. 3)

During his years of conquest, Alexander the Great became ill. He had great confidence in his friend and physician. After the physician had mixed for the great conqueror a potion to heal his illness, a letter was placed in Alexander’s hand. This letter warned him not to drink the potion as it contained poison.

He held the cup in one hand and the letter in the other hand. In the presence of his friend and physician he drank up the draught. After Alexander had drained that potion, he encouraged his friend to look at the letter and what it said. He wanted the physician to judge his confidence. Alexander had unstaggering faith in his friend that did not admit of doubt. “See now,” he said, “how I have trusted you?”

This is the assurance you and I should exercise toward God. Though the cup is very bitter, and some tell us it will prove deadly. That is, it is so terrible and nauseous that we will never survive drinking it. Unbelief and doubt whispers in your ear, “Your coming tribulation will utterly crush you.”

Drink down the cup to the dregs, saying, “If the Father slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” It cannot be that God should be unfaithful to His promise or unmindful of His covenant.[1]

This is exactly what Isaiah is telling us to do in this song that the Holy Spirit records through the prophet here. Why is it that you or I can have such perfect peace? We do have such peace because of the words that begin this song. Isaiah speaks to us of a ‘strong city’ of walls and towers and ramparts to protect. The song proclaims that the gates should swing wide for those who keep faith should enter.

This is how God keeps the faithful man in perfect peace.

We are able to do this not because of anything that you have done. It is not because of anything that I have done. No, this is not what keeps us in that peace. Instead, it is something entirely outside of you or me. This is what keeps us in His peace. That which keeps us in this peace is the strong city Isaiah speaks of. Who does Isaiah refer to by speaking of a ‘rock’ or a ‘strong city’? It is Christ (1 Cor. 10:4)! He is the rock and strong city we are hearing about.

‘My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.’ (V. 9)

It is all very easy to say ‘dwell in perfect peace’. It is also something that we all know very well. Yet, this is not often how many of us feel in our daily life. We do not feel as if we are dwelling in perfect peace. This is what the just quoted verse is getting at. This present life is the night. We yearn for our Savior in the night of this life. More often than not, we live by faith. That is, we live our life covered in a mist of uncertain imaginations so that we cannot feel or even see our life in Christ.

It is there nonetheless. Our faith is not a faith that is based on feelings.

So, Isaiah sings for us that when God’s judgements are on this earth, those of us who still dwell in this world learn righteousness. That is the cup of which we drink. You drink it to the dregs trusting that your Savior will not abandon His promises. Though He may kill you, your will be kept safe in Him. He is your strong city.

With our eyes of faith we see our Savior in this life. Yet, we long to see Him with these physical eyes as well. We do not want to wait until eternal life to see our Savior face to face. So, we cling to the promises we have been given in His word. We long to learn righteousness. This in spite of being surrounded by the mist of infirmity even still.[2]

‘O LORD, you will ordain peace for us; you have done for us all our works.’ (V. 12

However, it is possible for us to dwell in perfect peace. This is not so because of anything that you or I do. No. Rather, peace is yours because the Lord has ordained this for you. This is outside of anything that you accomplish. This peace is yours not because of any work that you have done to earn it or deserve it. Instead, this peace the Lord ordains is yours because He has said so.

This peace belongs to each of us as Christians because Christ Jesus has done all your works for you. As St. Paul tells us that there are works created for us from before the beginning of the world (Eph. 2:10). So, Isaiah tells us that these works have been done for us. It is Jesus living in you who does the good works created for you (SC II: 3rd). ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, … For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.’ (Rom. 3:24-24, 28)

So we do not lose heart. We know that this outer sinful nature of ours is wasting away and that we are being renewed day by day. Thus, this momentary affliction prepares us for eternal glory that is beyond comparing to what comes now. We keep our eyes on the things unseen, those eternal things which bring us a true joy and peace not dependent on our daily experience.

Again, when we think on this verse, the first thought is, ‘what man can understand His way?’ (Prov. 20:24) The words of Isaiah make clear that whatever good dwells in us is of our Savior’s making. Thank God that this is true. If we were left to our own, our thoughts would be only evil continually. As the Psalmist reminds ‘There is none who does good, no not one.’ (Ps. 14:3; Rom. 3:12)

‘Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for you! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead.’ (V. 19)

We know from the Gospel accounts that this is true. After all, since Jesus lives, so shall you! You and all those who sleep in Christ shall live eternally (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Even at the resurrection of Jesus we see this being accomplished. As Matthew records for us, the rocks were torn apart and those saints who slept rose in their bodies (St. Mt. 27:51-52).

Even before the coming of the fulfillment of the promised Messiah. That Redeemer who would come and cleanse us from our sins for so many centuries in the Old Testament, even before that fulfillment Isaiah again proclaims this for you and me. He declares very plainly that there shall be joy at the resurrection. There will be joy of this nature at the resurrection of the just[3]. Those who have been committed to the dust before the return of our King, this rising gives you joy. You have joy; you have peace unlike that of the world because you know what is to come. Death now has no mastery over any of us here because we know what comes on the other side.

You know that everlasting life awaits you and those who have gone before you in the faith.

‘From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl, streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
Alleluia! Alleluia!’ (TLH 463:7)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH pp. 75-6, entry #324.
[2] ACCS OT X pp. 171-2 St. Gregory the Great Morals on the Book of Job 5.23.39.
[3] ACCS OT X p. 181 Irenaeus Against Heresies 5.34.1.

Tuna Chowder

2009-10-29T11:22:00.002-05:00

This is a wonderfully easy dish. It takes time to cook the potatoes through, but other than that it is very simple. I made this while the housemother and boys were at ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education). Also, any kind of canned fish would work in place of the tuna, assuming it can be flaked like tuna usually is (e.g., salmon, sardines, etc.).

Tuna Chowder

Serves 2

2 Tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped (3/4 to 1 cup)
8 ounces all-purpose or new potatoes, peeled (if thick-skinned), cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup milk
One 6 1/2 ounce can tuna (chunk light, in oil or water), drained
1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, melt butter and saute onion for about 8 minutes, until golden.
2. Add the diced potatoes and milk. Bring to a simmer and cook about 10 minutes, until potatoes are very tender.
3. Add tuna and salt. Stir and heat through.
4. Serve very hot.

You may multiply this dish as you need. We doubled it and it was just enough for the five of us. I did not include the salt. I figured between the natural salt in the onions and the salt in the canned fish we did not need any extra. I also had a few minutes to allow this to thicken and it was even better. We did not serve this to the boys very hot, because I had that few minutes for it to stand it cooled so that the boys could have it out of the pot and we adults could have it out of the pot and it was still hot enough for us as well.

So, you might be wondering, what is the difference between chowder and soup? Very little, except that chowder is made with potatoes, the fat is usually salt pork or bacon, and most chowders are made with milk or cream. This is meant to be a quickie supper, but if you let it stand awhile--even refrigerate it overnight--the potatoes thicken the liquid even more and make the chowder even more comforting.

Thank you to "What to Cook..."

Reformation Sunday-Jeremiah 31:31-34

2009-10-21T16:24:00.002-05:00

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

‘"And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”’ (V. 34)

We as Christians know this is true. We know the gospel that we heard in the letter to the Romans today. You and I know that our salvation is pure gift. None of us do any thing to earn it nor do we do anything to prepare ourselves to receive it. It is given to us by the Holy Spirit as He makes us new creations in Christ Jesus. We know this and yet there are times in our lives when we do not understand how we could still be on this path.

Such a time may be a period of unemployment. It may be a time in our lives, such as retirement, when we make a transition from one stage to the next and become unsure of ourselves. When this happens, you or I seek to regain our footing regarding “who am I”. Such a time may come if we are told that we have some disease like cancer or diabetes or a form of dementia or ________. Such a time may come when a family member or friend of ours is in danger for a time. We are rightfully afraid for that individual.

These situations are made all the more difficult more often than not, because we may lose our job because of economic hard times. This difficult situation may come regardless of how well we have done at doing our best at what had been given to us to do. You or I may be in a job where we were an exemplary employee, and yet have our job terminated any way.

It is at times like these and in many other circumstances when we may feel that God is far from us. You or I might come into such a situation and think that we are abandoned. This is a frequent topic in the book of the Psalms (see, Ps. 69, 17, 10, 42, 13, 22, 38, 25, 51, 55, 88, 41, 6). ‘The LORD knows the way of the righteous’ (Ps. 1:6). This is a reversal of the oft repeated statement that the righteous know the way of the LORD; that is, His law. Yet, this is true.

As we read in this passage from the prophet, we know the destination. You also know that this is a certain destination for you. It is impossible for anyone or anything to snatch us from our heavenly Father’s hand (St. Jn. 17). What the psalmist is telling us is, “yes, you know the destination, but you are blind as to the path. You are being led about in the darkness”.

Which is to say, you who are the righteous do not know your way. You do not know where you are going as you walk the path of the righteous. You travel on an unseen journey with an unseen guide. We who are the righteous, our Lord and Savior knows your way. It is He who invisibly leads you step-by-step along on your way with Him. That narrow way which leads to eternal life.

The Holy Spirit, as He speaks through the prophet Jeremiah, is encouraging the people of Israel. They have not been following their Lord and they are headed toward exile. That is the constant drumbeat of Jeremiah’s book. He is continually speaking woe and condemnation to any number of nations and individuals. Here chapters thirty and thirty-one stand out like an oasis in a desert. They tell us of the destination that we are headed to. The Israelites along with us are reminded as we read through Jeremiah’s book, that it is not all condemnation. God, in Christ Jesus, really has rescued you and me and all mankind out of that quicksand pit of condemnation we were caught in. ‘This God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end’ (Ps. 48:14)

‘[Jeremiah writes:] “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”’ (V. 33)

Praise God that He has placed you on that road to salvation. For this is the covenant to which Jeremiah refers: ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus’ (Vv. 23-4). This is your faith. This is my faith. This is the faith of every Christian. We all trust in Jesus to have done it all for us. So, praise God that He has placed you on the road to salvation.

This is the real thanksgiving for us as Lutherans. For us, we know that in Dr. Luther, God gave us confidence in the knowledge of our own salvation. What joy these words of the Holy Spirit in the book of Jeremiah bring to us. After all, the old covenant, that one given to Moses at Mt. Sinai, was nothing but demand and requirement. All that does for you or me as a sinner is to give humiliation. No matter how hard we try, the law of God cannot be fulfilled. What glorious news this must have been for those who first heard Jeremiah’s words.

The prophet was telling them, and us, “yes, you did not keep the law. Yes, you have failed to do as your God commanded at every turn. In spite of that, God still loves you and wishes to be your God. He declares that He will be your God and you will be His people. He will make this reality.” Jeremiah, and St. Paul, tells us this morning that in Jesus, God has now accomplished this prophecy.

Praise God that He has effected your salvation!

So, as Martin Luther intended, find rest in the words of his great hymn of comfort.
‘A mighty fortress is our God,
A trusty Shield and weapon;
He helps us free from every need…
For us fights the Valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask Ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is,
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there’s none other God;
He holds the field forever.’ (TLH 262:1, 2)

What comfort it is that Jesus holds the field. That is to say, He has now defeated the devil. The devil now has no power of you or I, we who believe the gospel. None of this is to say that there were none under the old covenant who had the law in their hearts. All we have to do is read our Introit Psalm for this morning to understand that. After all, it begins with a verse from Psalm 119: ‘I will speak of your statutes before kings, O Lord, and will not be put to shame’ (V. 46). The writer of that psalm makes it clear that he, at least, has the law of God in his heart. We are also repeatedly told, there is a remnant that remains faithful to our God. This could be in the Old Testament (1 Kgs. 19:1-18). This could be in the New Testament (Rom. 11:5, 6). This could even apply to us today. There will always be a remnant, ‘chosen by grace’.

This new covenant will be made reality when this prophecy is brought to full completion at the end of time. It is then when we will be made saints in reality. For now we ‘see as in a mirror darkly, then we will see face to face’ (1 Cor. 13:12). It is even now ours. We live in the “now, not yet”. We are now saints, but we are also sinners. Then we will no longer be sinners.

It is of that time that the prophet speaks of here, when we will have that intimate knowledge of God’s holy will. It is only when the Holy Spirit pours this out, as He has done, can you truly be God’s people and He your God.

‘"And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”’ (V. 34)

All of this must have comforted the Israelites amid all of the woe in the rest of the book. This is a great comfort for you and me as well. We are comforted in these words as we give thanks to our merciful God for making this gospel of forgiveness clear again in the work of His servant Dr. Martin Luther.[1]

We are assured now that, despite our own wickedness of which we repent of daily, we have broken the law of God just as surely as the people of Israel to whom Jeremiah spoke his prophecy had broken the old covenant. The promise of salvation was still theirs, it is still yours, through the new covenant established by God. That covenant is a covenant of pure grace, pure mercy.

Praise your merciful Father that you are a recipient of this salvation by grace in Jesus.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Sermon Studies on the Old Testament, Series B pp. 397-8.

Pentecost 20-Hebrews 2:9-11 (12-18)

2009-10-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

‘But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.’ (V. 9)

So what is this verse saying? The writer is not simply speaking about himself and those who first received this letter. When the Holy Spirit wrote the Scriptures, He intended that such as was recorded would be taken to heart even by you and me. So, when this writer, by inspiration, states here that we see Jesus, he speaks to you.

So, how is it that you and I see Jesus? Where do we see Him? As Jesus himself states, we see Him in the least of those in this world. Those who are in need that we give them clothes, we visit them when they are sick or in prison, we feed them or give to someone a cold drink of water. (St. Mt. 25) However it is that we show mercy to those around us. It is in those that we see Jesus.

This is not the only way in which we see Jesus with our eyes of faith. We do not see Jesus in these with the eyes that are inside of our heads. You here today also see Jesus here in church, not just in your day to day life. You see Him in the word preached and in the sacrament when it is offered. Jesus comes to each of us, and we see Him, when we consume Him in His body and blood.

What the writer to the Hebrews is saying in our lesson is that death has been defeated! Our old foe has been de-fanged. Death for the Christian is like an old wolf or bear, toothless and weak, unable to harm anyone any longer. What Jesus did for you and me is prefigured in an old Greek myth that, for its hearers, held no hope.

It runs like this.

One day, Ulysses returned home from one of his adventures only to find his entire nation in mourning. Naturally, he asked what was wrong. The reply came back that the queen had died! Not believing such shocking news, Ulysses ran to the palace only to find that this news was sadly true. So, he went on his most dangerous adventure. He went to the lonely tomb and wrestled with the ancient enemy, death, and fought death for the life of the queen.

In this battle, the hero of the fable was able to snatch from death the life of his queen and take her back to the palace in his arms, giving her back to a stunned king alive. As I said, in the ancient tale, there was no hope that this was true. Even after hearing this story, those hearers long ago still saw their loved ones snatched from them by death. They had no hope of seeing them alive again.

If we bring this story over into Christianity, we can see how it is actually true! After all, our hero, our Christ, went to that lonely grave and wrestled death and conquered it for us. He now stands outside the tomb victorious, saying to all, all those who will listen, “I am alive, and because I live, you shall live also!”[1] In this way, we see how our God has used even ancient pagan myths to pave the way for this old wicked world to be ready for the coming of His Son in the incarnation at Bethlehem.

However, there is more to this verse. After all, for whom is this salvation for? Why was Jesus made a little lower than the angels? For whom is it that Jesus suffered and died as a human?

Your Savior did not just die for you. He did not only die for me. Jesus did not die only for those who believe in Him. Jesus did not even die only for the redemption of humanity. Jesus died for each and every human who has lived, is living and will live. This death was adequate for all, and able to rescue everyone from sin. Though, this death of Christ was effective only for some. Jesus also died for all of creation. It would be a strange thing indeed if Jesus had tasted death only for human sins and not for any other creature, when He knew all of creation had fallen.

We know this is real because of the witness of Scripture in other places. This is most obvious in the book of Romans: ‘For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.’ (Rom. 8:21; see also, Gen. 3:14)

Jesus also speaks of this when He speaks to us of creation groaning and of the birth pangs before the end. (St. Mk. 13:3-13) The patriarch Job also refers to the redemption of creation by saying: ‘the stars are not clean in His sight’ (Job 25:5).

‘For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.’ (V. 10)

So, we now see that Jesus is one of us. He truly became part of our family when He came as a baby in Bethlehem. All that we need to do is think of that familiar verse from John’s gospel: ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.’ (St. Jn. 3:16) In this way, we get the idea of what the writer is getting at. This passage is showing us what kind of humility this is. This was a proper thing for God to do however. That is, Jesus the Son being made a little lower than the angels. The thought of this statement does not seem to make sense to us. Our fallen human reason does not want to allow for the possibility that God could be humbled.

Much less that God could be put to death in so cruel a fashion.

Our sinful nature wants to say that the incarnation was somehow not what the Bible presents it as. That is, the incarnation was the Son of God, true God Himself, taking on our fallen flesh and blood that He might redeem it and make that humanity, mine and yours, new again.

This does not make sense to us because, as this writer states for us ‘that he, for whom and by whom all things exist,’ took on this fallen humanity. We want to be offended by all of this. Your eyes of faith are not offended though. That faith, given to you by the Holy Spirit, remembers that God’s plan for your salvation did in fact include even this great humiliation. Even this works out to the glory of God.

Jesus is our elder brother. He is the author, He is the founder of our salvation. He is the leader of the sons of God (Rom. 8:29). There was no sin in Jesus, but He lived His human life in order to be truly our sympathizing and effective leader in His work of salvation. One cannot know human life without living it.

All of this was necessary. The shedding of blood was necessary for your salvation, as the writer to the Hebrews will later speak of (9:14). This High Priest of ours is Himself both host and sacrifice. He enters into the Holy of Holies before God and sacrifices Himself for the forgiveness of your sins and mine.

This death was offered once for you and me in order that we might be saved. You and I have now been changed from despicable sinners into the Father’s children. This was done so that we, each of us, might live forever with Jesus before the Father in heaven. We are our heavenly Father’s sons by adoption (Gal. 4:4). We will ‘dwell in the house of the Lord forever’ (Ps. 23:6). Because of this, we now sing:

‘So let us keep the festival
Whereto the Lord invites us;
Christ is Himself the Joy of all,
The Sun that warms and lights us
By His grace He doth impart
Eternal sunshine to the heart;
The night of sin is ended. Hallelujah!’
(TLH 195:4)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, p. 57 entry #223.

Guess who is going to Houston?

2009-10-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

That would be me!

If you know me at all, you know that I do not do well with heat. I especially do not do well with humidity. Thankfully, this trip I will be required to stay indoors.

I will be traveling down to the Lone Star state because of the national convention for my church body, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod coming up in 2010. And no, we are not the same as the Lutherans that you heard about this past summer. I will get to go instead of another pastor from my immediate area because the people here chose me to be the Pastoral representative. So, this will be a wonderful opportunity for me to see how my church body really operates. It will be interesting to observe the church politics involved (And if you don't think that there is such a thing, you have not been paying attention.). This will be a wonderful opportunity just to meet new people, as well as, those who lead us as Missouri Synod Lutherans.

Those are the same ones we pray for on a weekly basis in church so I will be glad for an opportunity to actually meet some of them, if the chance arises.

So, pray for me that I will be able to process the mountains of paper that will come my way through the Post Office over the next year. Many groups will try to persuade me to vote their way. I will need our heavenly Father's wisdom to know the best way to cast my vote when the time comes.

Russian Borscht

2009-10-14T06:00:00.003-05:00

This is the original Russian borscht, meaty and brimming with tomatoes and cabbage. The beets in this version are roasted instead of boiled, for added flavor. For a complete meal, serve with black bread and butter. This description from the cookbook is really true. This smelled so wonderful as it was cooking. We used our usual whole wheat bread and it truly was a meal.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scrub:
12 ounces of beets (I used my housemother's prepared, frozen beets given by a church member instead of baking the beets.)
Wrap the beets together in aluminum foil and roast on a baking sheet until they can easily be pierced with a fork, about 1 hour. Let cool, peal, then slice and cut into thin strips.
While the beets are roasting, prepare:
1 pound boneless beef chuck, cubed, or 1 1/2 pounds pork spareribs, cut into single ribs (we used the pork as we had that in the freezer, remember to defrost first! :-)).
Lightly dredge with:
All-purpose flour
Heat in a soup pot, over medium-high heat:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I used olive instead.)
Add the meat and brown on all sides. Stir in:
4 1/2 cups Beef broth, or water
One 28-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, drained and chopped (I used fresh ones from our garden, halved and sliced)
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, partially covered, until the meat is almost tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in:
2 cups shredded green or red cabbage (with a small cabbage, this will be approximately a quarter of a head).
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 medium celery stalks, sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons tomato paste (if you open a can of paste, plan to use the rest in something later in the week.)
Simmer, partially covered, until the vegetables and meat are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in the beets along with:
2 tablespoons vinegar (whatever you have)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon, salt, or to taste
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Thin the soup with water if necessary (ours did not need it.). Ladle into bowls.
Garnish with:
Sour cream
Snipped fresh dill

I had always pictured this soup with potatoes or with turnips or rutabagas for some reason. Maybe I am thinking of a different soup. Perhaps because it is Russian? I also had always had the image of this as a stodgy or thick soup, it is neither. It is just a wonderfully tasty vegetable soup. Once the soup was done, I fished out each sparerib and chopped them into bite sized pieces. If you have hungry children, or perhaps a hungry spouse, try this sometime as you are able. This is a very filling meal. It even filled up this perpetually hungry boy after only a bowl and a half! Our boys, who are never usually hungry while they are sick, and they were sick tonight, they ate what they were given. They enjoyed the soup even! :-)

I am glad and thankful for the member who gave us the beets. As he came to the door and handed off a sack full of the biggest beets I have ever seen (the size of softballs!) and said, "Make some soup." So, when we put the soup away tonight, we made up a package for him as well.

October meeting for ECI-Ortonville

2009-10-13T06:00:00.001-05:00

This past week has been so busy it was a bit of a blur. For the beginning I helped comfort a parishioner who was dying and her family. Then, on Thursday, her funeral. On Wednesday, I was up early to travel to the hospital by 8a.m., an hour and a half drive away. Also, on Thursday, I had another family to visit and a night meeting. As well as other responsibilities and enjoyments. So, it has been a bit of a blur.

Nonetheless, on Thursday, I was able to attend part of the Early Childhood Initiative's (ECI) planning meeting for our area. This is something I am interested in, as it is important to stress reading and nutrition and other things for the 0-5 age group. This is the ages of our boys, and for all children, this is the foundation upon which they will build the rest of their education on.

So, what I was involved with was mainly to decide if we wanted to continue past the grant money that the initiative had begun with or not. We chose to continue. So, we have a lot of work ahead of us. We need to begin fundraising so that we are ready when the money given for this work runs out.

That was the main important accomplishment for this meeting. We also needed to decide if we want to give the newborns of our area a readers bag or a onesie or both. The onesie was to have printed on it, "Read, Eat, Sleep, Repeat". It was a cute idea, and to the point. By the time we covered that, I needed to take off. As I said above, I had other work related things that needed my attention.

As much as I enjoy the work of this committee, I will have to continue to be aware of focusing on work first then this. It is something that I have been successful at so far, but it is something that will require me to be continually aware.

Luther on Meditation

2009-10-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

"When you open the book containing the gospels and read or hear how Christ comes here or there, or how someone is brought to him, you should therin perceive the sermon or the gospel through which he is coming to you, or you are being brought to him. For the preaching of the gospel is nothing else than Christ coming to us, or we being brought to him. When you see how he works, however, and how he helps everyone to whom he comes or who is brought to him, then rest assured that faith is accomplishing this in you and that he is offering your soul exactly the same sort of help and favor through the gospel. If you pause here and let him do you good, that is, if you believe that he benefits and helps you, then you really have it. Then Christ is yours, presented to you as a gift." A Brief Instruction on What to Look for and Expect in the Gospels, 1521. AE 35:121.

There are three ways in which we are to look at what Luther writes here.

First, meditation is an ancient tradition. We should be reading the gospels evangelically. That is, we should read them as if it is a sermon. It is telling us good news not a series of moral aphorisms or rules that we must follow. That is the other thing about how to read the gospels. Read them as if it speaks to you. Without Christ, this is only wishful thinking. It would accomplish nothing without Christ working in we who believe. Jesus is actively with you. He is working and accomplishing in you what His word is telling you. What Jesus said and did then, He says and does now. So, each story about Jesus is meant to be an aid to our meditation.

Secondly, Luther encourages us to read the stories about Jesus that we find in the gospels, faithfully. He assumes that each story is meant for us and is intended to inspire us to trust more fully in Jesus and to turn to Him for help. So, we then believe that Jesus is now saying and doing the same good thing for us as He did for those who came to Him or were brought to Him and cried out, "Lord, have mercy". As we do this, we experience Jesus' hidden intervention in the here and now. So, by faithful meditation on the Word of God, we receive Christ as a gift.

Finally, meditation is meant to engage all five senses. This happens as we imagine the scenario of the event. As we imagine those men tearing a hole in the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching so they might lower their crippled friend down for Jesus to heal him. All this because they could not otherwise get close to Jesus for the great crowd. It takes our eyes to read the words, our ears to hear the noises of such as scene, our noses as we smell the imagined smells of a first century city, our touch as we help our friend and as we dig with our hands in the roof of the building and finally, our taste as we get dust and other debris in our mouths while we dig. Think of it!

All as we ponder such a scene, and many others and hear the words Christ would teach us. Thinking how we might also respond in our own lives in obedience to Jesus. So, in all of this, meditation becomes a matter of reception from Him rather than an act of obedience to Him.

Such is just a taste of the book on Christian spirituality that I have been slowly reading through. Dr. Kleinig has given us a great gift. Especially his chapter explaining the mystery of meditation. That part in particular, as you have seen has been helpful to me. I always find myself racing through any book that I read. I need to continually remember to slow down and really take in what it is that I am reading. Maybe as I grow older, I will begin to do better?

When I will stumble upon some other gems that will be interesting to ponder more deeply. I will share them with all of you.

Thank you Dr. Kleinig for writing Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today.